NEW ORLEANS — As the first floats prepare to roll, the American Red Cross of Louisiana is launching its annual “Fueling the Front Lines” Mardi Gras mission to ensure that New Orleans’ largest celebration is also its safest. This year, the Red Cross is proud to announce a $50,000 gift from Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers, serving as the Title Sponsor for the 2026 Mardi Gras mission.

“Mardi Gras doesn’t happen without the thousands of heroes working behind the scenes, and our mission doesn't happen without the sponsors who stand with us,” said Kenneth St. Charles, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross of Louisiana. “We are deeply grateful to Morris Bart and all our partners. Their investment is a commitment to the safety of every family in our community, whether they are on the parade route or recovering from a personal crisis at home.”

This generous contribution supports the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, including the Sound the Alarm initiative, a year‑round effort that helps save lives by installing free smoke alarms and educating families on home fire safety. To date, the initiative has provided Louisiana families with more than 56,000 free smoke alarms.

"I’m very proud to partner with Red Cross on their Home Fire Campaign and Sound the Alarm initiatives,” said Morris Bart, attorney and philanthropist. “This important and meaningful campaign provides free smoke alarms with installation to anyone. In the event of a house fire, you only have two minutes to get out! Smoke alarms save lives!"

‘Fueling the Front Lines’: Supporting First Responders During Mardi Gras

Through the Red Cross “Fueling the Front Lines” initiative, volunteers will walk the parade route to deliver hydration, snacks, and encouragement to NOPD officers, EMS practitioners, firefighters, and city crews working grueling 12‑hour shifts. This support helps ensure that the people protecting millions of revelers have the resources they need to stay alert, hydrated, and safe.

The 2026 mission is powered by Title Sponsor Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers, along with supporting sponsors First Horizon Bank, Bank of America, Sodexo, Hubig's Pies, and Hufft Marchand Hospitality. These partners play a critical role in sustaining Mardi Gras safety operations and enabling the Red Cross to respond to local home fires and other emergencies every day.

A Mission That Extends Far Beyond Carnival Season

The American Red Cross of Louisiana remains committed to its 365‑day mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. From largescale, multi-state disasters to a single home fire, the Red Cross response is powered by compassionate volunteers and the generosity of donors.

To learn how you can support local disaster relief efforts — including the Home Fire Campaign and Sound the Alarm — or to volunteer, visit redcross.org/Louisiana or call 1‑800‑RED‑CROSS. Residents are also encouraged to download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to safety tips and emergency guidance throughout the carnival season.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

About Morris Bart:
Morris Bart grew up in the New Orleans area, graduated from the University of New Orleans in 1975, and received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in 1978.

In 1980, Mr. Bart became the first attorney in Louisiana to advertise his legal services on television. He was a pioneer in legal marketing in America and has lectured extensively on the subject at both the university level and legal industry conferences. Since 1980, he has grown the firm into one of the largest personal injury law firms in the United States and he has become somewhat of a celebrity in his local communities.