Upholding a 19-year annual tradition of charity and goodwill, Cash Money Records once again hosts turkey giveaways in New Orleans and Miami for 2015.
Miami’s is happening today, Nov. 20, while New Orleans is set for Tuesday, Nov. 24. The Johnny and Gladys Williams Foundation—founded by Cash Money Records co-founders and brothers Ronald “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams—produces the yearly charity.
The executives first envisioned the Turkey Giveaway in 1996 as a means to give back to the New Orleans community, which provided a foundation for them to become one of the city’s biggest success stories. That same year, they instituted the Johnny and Gladys Williams Foundation as a tribute to their parents—who inspired the organization’s namesake.
In recognition of the philanthropic work that the brothers have tirelessly engaged in, the IRS grants an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization status to the foundation for 2015.
Every year, the Turkey Giveaway grows significantly, and this year is no exception. Its growth reflects the brothers’ own ever-expanding philanthropy and charity.
New Orleans, LA: Tuesday, Nov. 24
Going back to the heart of the neighborhood where Ronald and Bryan Williams grew up, the New Orleans giveaway enjoys its 19th consecutive year. From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., New Home Full Gospel Ministries once again serves as the location for the festivities.
Walmart will be providing the turkeys, while Sam's Club donated vegetables and rice. Not only will turkeys and sides be gifted, but also free health screenings will be available in addition to a mobile video game truck from Games2U for kids and music courtesy of Q93. Rouses Supermarket is serving food and lunch for all volunteers, police, vendors and health professionals. The Williams brothers and various Cash Money artists, will be in attendance.
With Ochsner Hospital as a partner, the fully staffed medical area offers a myriad of services. The John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute will provide B/P screenings, vascular medicine assessments for venous and arterial disease, dietitian advisement regarding counseling and portion control exercises, nurse consultation and a "Heart Healthy Tailgating" recipe book. Ochsner Corporate Wellness will offer flu shots, PSA blood draws for prostate cancer and fingerstick for glucose and cholesterol levels. The Ochsner Opthalmology Department will be on-site for eye exams, and the Ochsner Podiatry Department will offer foot exams. Ochsner for Children will be there for growth assessment and measurements, and Ochsner Community Outreach will provide a smoking cessation program. Meanwhile, Ochsner Organ Procurement will provide information on their organ donor program. Medication review and assistance with vendor discounted medications is available.
For the third year in a row, Aortic Disease and Marfan Syndrome heart screenings are offered from Dr. David Liang [Director, Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease] and staff.
The Daughters of Charity and Boston Scientific also join as sponsors for 2015.
United Health also serves as a sponsor and will be supplying t-shirts for all three events.
Ronald 'Slim' Williams comments, "Every year we feel even more blessed to get the chance to host these giveaways. Our parents taught us how important charity and community are, and we're honored to receive the official 501(c)(3) certification for the Johnny and Gladys Williams Foundation. I hope we can do even more this year."
Birdman says, "This is what it's all about. If you're blessed, share those blessings. We learned that from a young age, and that's what we always try to do. These communities have lifted us up, and this is our chance to lift them up. It's not just for Thanksgiving though, we try to make it a tradition every day."
For more information, contact Cash Money Records.
Photo from Miami New Times