Krewe of Thoth has been a Mardi Gras fixture in New Orleans since 1947.
This week, krewe officer CJ Tessitore joined Tommy Tucker to discuss the impact Krewe of Thoth has had on the community through its charitable work. Tessitore’s connection with Thoth goes way back to the beginning.
“Actually, my grandfather was one of the children members of both back in 1947,” he told Tucker. “My brother and I, you know, we’ve continued with both until today.”
Along with Tessitore’s family, giving back to the community has also been a part of the Krewe of Thoth tradition from the start. He explained that the krewe’s parade route was designed to pass in front of all of the nursing homes Uptown and Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
“We just came to be known as the crew of shut-ins because of us passing in front of these nursing homes and Children’s Hospital for people that, you know, could not normally ordinarily get out to see parades doing Mardi Gras,” Tessitore explained.
In 2014, this commitment to community grew when Thoth Charities was established.
“Thoth charities’ mission is to serve the sick, shut-in, and homeless in the metropolitan New Orleans area, according to the organization website.
“Since its inception, Thoth Charities has made charitable contributions in excess of $500,000,” in addition to working to secure $250,000 donation for the construction of an emergency room for the new Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Center in 2020.
Today, the Thoth parade hands around 2,500 riders and 50 floats, according to the krewe. Parade goers can count on getting beads and trinkets as they watch.
Listen to Tucker and Tessitore’s full conversation and learn more about the Krewe of Thoth here.
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