NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The New Orleans Women’s & Children’s Shelter (NOWCS) will welcome vocal artist Robin Barnes as headline performer at the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Bubbles & Bubbly, presented by Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. For the first time, thanks to this partnership, children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, March 30, in the Arbor Room at Popp Fountain in New Orleans City Park.
Known as The Songbird of New Orleans, Barnes is recognized for her soulful, New Orleans style. In addition to a one-hour performance from Robin Barnes, the evening promises fabulous food, drinks, games for kids, a silent auction and live entertainment, all to raise critical funds for NOWCS. This year’s fundraiser is also proud to feature 2025 event chair and host, WWL-TV Morning News Anchor Brheanna Boudreaux.
“It’s been an amazing year for us at the Shelter. We opened a brand-new facility on Iberville Street that allows us to double our sheltering capacity and expand crucial services to the entire family,” said NOWCS co-founder Dan Silverman. “Bubbles & Bubbly helps us achieve our goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness in New Orleans ensuring that families never return to the streets again.”
Bubble Lady Linda will create a bubble wonderland for the young and young at heart. Plus, the event will feature bubbly cocktails for adults, fun mocktails, bites for all and hands-on activities for all ages and a fabulous silent auction.
“This year, we’ve set a goal to raise $125,000 to support our mission,” said NOWCS CEO Dawn Bradley-Fletcher. “These funds will enable us to provide comprehensive support to families experiencing homelessness and care for some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. By supporting Bubbles & Bubbly, you are empowering children and families to build a brighter future and helping to strengthen our entire community.
“It’s a true honor to welcome Robin Barnes at Bubbles & Bubbly,” said NOWCS Chief Philanthropy Officer Madeleine Briscoe, “Her love and connection to the community of New Orleans has always made her work powerful, and it truly shines through in her generous support for this event that is a cornerstone of our fundraising and a highlight of our year at the Shelter.”
NOWCS is seeking businesses, Mardi Gras Krewes and local makers interested in participating to donate an item to the silent auction in the theme of “home”. Interested participants can email Chief Philanthropy Officer Madeleine Briscoe at mbriscoe@nowcs.org.
Now in its 18th year of operation, NOWCS is the only homeless shelter for intact families (including fathers) and the largest homeless shelter for women and children in the Metro area. Since 2007, NOWCS has assisted more than 4,700 parents and children recovering from homelessness with physical shelter, programs and support services. In that time, only 2% of participants have returned to homelessness. In 2024, the Shelter announced the opening of a new facility on Iberville, including en-suite bathrooms for every family, a soft-surface playground and dedicated community spaces for holistic services, including education, life skills training and children’s programming.
The event will be held Sunday, March 30, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Arbor Room (1 Palm Dr.) at Popp Fountain in New Orleans City Park. Tickets are available for adults, children, families and patrons. Individual tickets are $100 per adult. Children ages 12 and under are free (adult supervision required). Children ages 13 to 18 are $25.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit nowcs.org/bubbles. More information on Robin Barnes is available on Instagram and via her website.
