It's a true labor of love for Mel Grodsky.
The owner of Tuxedos to Geaux in Metairie is providing a pair of floats to carry a collection of kids from Children's Hospital to ride in the Krewe of Kings Parade on Sunday.
Grodsky tells WWL-TV he's happy to provide the floats for any number of kids, "If they want three floats next year, we'll give them three floats whatever they need. No child will never, ever be left off of a float if they can ride on a float for us!"
Children's Hospital's Jonathon Brook says it's big incentive for kids who are going through grueling rehad and physical therapy. "That's a big part of healing for children is fun. So they have something to work toward. That sort of lagniappe is a big part of it.
Brook says the hospital is also chipping in, donating the throws for these special riders, "Because it's the Krewe of Kings Parade, there'll crowns and other costumes and masks...we'll have some beads with the Children's Hospital logo on it."
Grodsky says Children's Hospital was always his father's favorite charity.
In recent years two of his own grandchildren have been patients at the hospital.
"I've seen such caring and wonderful people in my entire life," Grodsky says. "We said when we first started this we wanted it to be an on-going thing and continue supporting Children's Hospital and giving the children an opportunity to ride."
This year is also a special one for Grodsky: He and his daughter are the King and Queen this year.