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Inaugural Beignet Fest set for October 8, 2016 at Lafayette Square
New festival will raise awareness and funds for children with autism

New Orleans, LA (August 9, 2016) - Today, the newly-established Tres Doux Foundation (which means "very sweet," in French) proudly announced the first ever Beignet Fest, which will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 10AM - 4PM at Lafayette Square.

"We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Beignet Fest, which will be free and open to the public to celebrate New Orleans' most iconic dessert: the beignet, featuring both sweet and savory treats," said festival founder and event producer Sherwood Collins. "We have been overwhelmed with enthusiasm and support as we have told our story and asked for help to start this festival so we can offer more programs to autistic children in our community. We can't wait for everyone to come out and experience the fest on October 8!"

Amy and Sherwood Collins created Beignet Fest to raise awareness and funds for autism programs in New Orleans, with a portion of food and beverage sales benefiting the Tres Doux Foundation. The Foundation's mission is to celebrate, embrace and enhance the lives of children with developmental delays and disabilities by presenting them as whole beings, and to support organizations that do the same. Today, Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 68 children (and 1 in 42 boys) is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

"Through our journey with our son, Liam, who is on the autism spectrum, we found out there's a gap in accessible programming for kids on the spectrum, and we wanted to change that," said Amy. "So, we are doing what we do best - creating and managing a festival with amazing food and music!"

In true New Orleans tradition, Beignet Fest will feature a myriad of restaurants and musical entertainment. The festival will include well-known local and regional performers, such as Big Sam's Funky Nation, John Papa Gros Band, Los Po-Boy-Citos, The Confetti Park Players Chorus and Alexandra Scott. Local and regional restaurants serving up savory and sweet beignets include Bread & Circus (Lafayette, La.), Café Du Monde, Ye Olde College Inn, The Ruby Slipper, Café Beignet, New Orleans Coffee & Beignet and more! Awards will be given at the festival for best sweet, best savory, most original and crowd-favorite beignets. There will also be family-friendly activities in a Kid's Village, sponsored by Ochsner Hospital For Children.  

"We are thrilled to be a part of this inaugural event to support such an important cause," said Dr. William Lennarz, System Chair of Pediatrics, Ochsner Hospital for Children. "There are many challenges and limitations that come with autism and having the proper treatment and support system in place with access to interactive activities supported by The Kids Village is a step in the right direction. This is a true testament to the commitment and dedication towards the children and their families who are affected by this disorder/diagnosis.

For more information about Beignet Fest, visit http://www.beignetfest.com/ or connect with Beignet Fest on Facebook and Instagram (@BeignetFest) (#BeignetFest). Beignet Fest is made possible by sponsors including Ochsner Hospital For Children, French Market Coffee, Southern Eagle's Urban South Brewery, Gambel Communications, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, New Orleans Coffee & Beignet Co and Café Du Monde.  

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About Beignet Fest: Beignet Fest celebrates New Orleans's most iconic dessert: the beignet. From traditional sweet treats to savory delicacies that feature seafood, cheese and more, Beignet Fest 2016 is serving up the best beignets in the South. Proceeds from Beignet Fest will benefit the Tres Doux Foundation.

About Tres Doux Foundation: The mission of the Tres Doux Foundation is to celebrate, embrace and enhance the lives of children with developmental delays and disabilities by presenting them as whole beings, and to support organizations that do the same.