Picture 1: Belle Reve's pet cat, Bigfoot (so named because he has six toes per foot) Outings, Entertainment, and Social Activities Belle Reve residents are encouraged to participate in social activities, outings, and special entertainment offers. Some of the events offered to residents within the past year are as follows. OUTINGS New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Residents were offered complimentary tickets and bus tokens to attend Jazz Fest 2004. Essence Festival Residents were offered complimentary tickets and bus tokens to attend Essence Fest 2004. Cowpokes Theater Residents were treated to local productions. NO/AIDS Task Force Volunteer Awards Ceremony Each year, residents are offered transportation to this inspiring event. Residents have the opportunity to see in person the committed volunteers for the HIV/AIDS community, and mingle with an understanding, non-judgmental group. Belle Reve Annual Auction Residents are transported to the auction location, where they volunteer and participate. Please visit our calendar for information on the event and instructions on how to get tickets. Visit our picture page of the 2003 Auction. Annual AIDS Education Conference Those residents interested in attending this conference have the opportunity to attend workshops and learn more about disease management. Mardi Gras Balls Every year, several Mardi Gras Krewes donate tickets for Belle Reve residents to attend Mardi Gras balls. Not only do the residents have a wonderful night with New Orleans society, but, frequently, these organizations pass around a donation bucket, giving all collections to Belle Reve as well. Would your organization like to donate complimentary tickets to Belle Reve residents? Click here to donate!

ENTERTAINMENT Movies at Canal Place Every week residents are offered complimentary tickets to the shows of their choice at the independent cinema, Canal Place. Tickets are made available on weekdays through NO/AIDS Task Force.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Bingo Night On Wednesday evenings, volunteers come to Belle Reve’s recreation room loaded with prizes and enthusiasm. The residents are invited to play Bingo for prizes. Click here to volunteer for Bingo Night! Movie Night Friday evenings at Belle Reve mean Movie Night. Residents are invited to the recreation room to gather around a big-screen television and watch a feature-length movie. Some of our movies are Laser Disks donated graciously (along with a laser-disk player) by Anne Rice. Annual Christmas Party The house is decorated for the holiday season during this event. Sponsors, volunteers, staff, friends, family, and, of course, residents are all invited to enjoy merriment, refreshments, seasonal music, gift giving, and more. Each resident receives a special present from the staff, oftentimes a gift certificate. The PCAs will take them shopping later so that they may pick out their goodies. Click here to donate a gift certificate or gift-item to Belle Reve's Christmas Party. Your donation will be given to a needy resident and will be greatly appreciated.

Picture 2: Wednesday Outreach Luncheon Weekly Outreach Luncheon Members of the HIV/AIDS community are invited every Wednesday to come to the Belle Esprit Dining Room for lunch with staff and residents. A special meal is prepared, everyone mingles, and all leave full. Prior to the luncheon, residents and Community Outreach clients attend an hour-long support group. Monthly Picnics at City Park: Ms. Loretta Mimms has a long-standing invitation to all Belle Reve residents to attend her monthly picnics. All attendees who are not Ms. Mimms’ guests of honor are asked to bring a bag of groceries. All groceries collected are donated to the charity of that month. Belle Reve has been the chosen charity many times, but even when we are not the recipient, residents are always welcome to attend free of charge. Picture 3: Employee Birthday Luncheon Birthdays and Special Days Our residents, volunteers, and staff enjoy sharing special times with each other, celebrating special occasions in each other’s lives. Birthdays, Weddings, Baby Showers, and other special events are celebrated with cake, ice cream, and gifts. One resident who has lived at Belle Reve for eight years celebrated his 58th birthday with friends, volunteers, and staff. Besides cake, he received a wallet with a chain that attaches to a belt loop. Click here to donate a gift item to be given to a resident at his/her birthday party. Gift certificates, grab bag items, knickknacks, toiletries, or other small items will be appreciated.

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