Total Community Action
The Legacy of TCA
& Thelma French
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Patron Party 6–7 p.m. • Gala 7–10 p.m.
InterContinental New Orleans
444 St. Charles Avenue
President & CEO
An invitation to continue a legacy of service
Serving New Orleans since 1964
For more than six decades, Total Community Action has worked to reduce poverty by connecting people with low incomes to services, partnerships, and opportunities that support economic security — from early childhood education and housing stability to energy assistance and workforce development.
Under the leadership of President & CEO Thelma French, TCA has grown into a modern, innovative, nationally recognized community action agency, marked by strategic growth, strengthened partnerships, expanded programming, and a steadfast commitment to equity. This year’s Gala celebrates both the legacy of TCA and her extraordinary stewardship.
The need is real
1,000+
New Orleans children were verified but waitlisted for a publicly funded early childhood education seat in December 2025 because funding fell short.
6,000+
New Orleans families were waitlisted for Section 8 tenant-based rental assistance in HANO’s FY2025 plan.
Join us in sustaining the services that help build a stronger, more equitable New Orleans.
01 · Education
Early childhood development through Head Start and support for families.
02 · Housing
Housing stability, rental assistance, and homelessness prevention.
03 · Energy
LIHEAP, utility assistance, and energy conservation services.
04 · Supportive Services
Workforce development, financial empowerment, crisis intervention, commodity distribution, and case management.
The experience
An Evening of Legacy
The Patron Party · 6–7 p.m.
An exclusive reception for Gala sponsors and their guests before the Gala.
The Gala · 7–10 p.m.
An evening celebrating TCA’s legacy and the leadership of Thelma French.
A Toast to Thelma
Friends, partners, and leaders raise a glass to Thelma French and her years of service.
A Walk Through History
An installation tracing TCA’s story of service to New Orleans since 1964.
A movement that continues
1964 · The founding
New Orleans community leaders establish Total Community Action to address poverty through local action.
Decades of expanding support
Early education, employment, housing, and energy services grow alongside partnerships and whole-family support.
Recovery and renewal
Disaster recovery, stronger service coordination, and community-centered innovation help families regain stability.
Today and beyond
TCA continues to advance opportunity through collaboration and responsive services.
Attend
Reserve your place
Seating is limited. Ticket sales end Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
General Admission
$300 per guest
Includes:
- Admission to the Gala
- “A Walk Through History” installation
The Patron Party is reserved for sponsors.
Purchase TicketsPatron Party · Sponsors only
Begin the evening with us
The Patron Party, from 6 to 7 p.m., is an exclusive reception for Gala sponsors and their guests.
Every sponsorship level includes Patron Party access, along with reserved Gala seating.
Become a SponsorSponsorship opportunities
More than a ticket — an investment in TCA
Every contribution directly fuels programming that delivers life-changing services across education, housing, energy, and supportive services — building a stronger, more equitable New Orleans for generations to come.
$50,000
Exclusive · 1 available
TCA Legacy Presenting Sponsor
Honors the Gala theme and TCA’s historic leadership. Represents transformational investment across all four pillars: Education, Housing, Energy, and Supportive Services.
- Naming rights: “2026 Total Community Action Gala presented by ___”
- Reserved premium seating for up to 20 guests, first priority
- Patron Party access for up to 20 guests
- Full-page program tribute or ad, plus presenting acknowledgment
- Brief remarks and participation in the toast for one representative
$25,000
Education Pillar
Head Start Champion Sponsor
Named for TCA’s flagship early childhood education program. Funding supports education and family advancement initiatives.
- Reserved premium seating for up to 15 guests, priority placement
- Patron Party access for up to 15 guests
- Half-page program tribute or ad
- Individual onstage acknowledgment
- Brief remarks and participation in the toast for one representative
$10,000
Utilities Pillar
Utilities Empowerment Sponsor
Anchored in TCA’s long-standing energy assistance work. Funding supports utilities assistance and household stability programs.
- Reserved premium seating for up to 10 guests
- Patron Party access for up to 10 guests
- Quarter-page program tribute or ad
- Logo on step-and-repeat and “A Walk Through History”
- Recognition in TCA’s post-event press release
$5,000
Housing Pillar
Housing & Stability Partner Sponsor
Reflects TCA’s rental assistance, homelessness prevention, and housing support programs.
- Reserved premium seating for up to 10 guests
- Patron Party access for up to 10 guests
- Quarter-page program tribute or ad
- Logo on step-and-repeat and “A Walk Through History”
$3,000
Supportive Services
Community Services Advocate Sponsor
Named for TCA’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funded supportive services. Represents broad support for wraparound care, emergency assistance, and community uplift.
- Reserved premium seating for up to 10 guests
- Patron Party access for up to 10 guests
- Name listing in the printed program
- Logo on the Gala website and “A Walk Through History”
$750
Friend
Family Support Friend Sponsor
An accessible entry-level tier tied to TCA’s supportive services for families, seniors, and vulnerable residents.
- Reserved seating for up to 2 guests
- Patron Party access for up to 2 guests
- Name listing on the Gala website
Compare benefits
| Benefit | $50,000 Legacy (Presenting) | $25,000 Head Start | $10,000 Utilities | $5,000 Housing | $3,000 Community Svcs. | $750 Friend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved Gala seating | Up to 20 · first priority | Up to 15 · priority | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | Up to 2 |
| Patron Party access | Up to 20 | Up to 15 | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | Up to 10 | Up to 2 |
| Gala website | Lead logo + link | Prominent logo + link | Logo + link | Logo + link | Logo + link | Name listing |
| Printed program | Full-page tribute/ad + presenting credit | Half-page tribute/ad | Quarter-page tribute/ad | Quarter-page tribute/ad | Name listing | — |
| Step-and-repeat | Priority logo | Prominent logo | Logo | Logo | — | — |
| A Walk Through History | Lead logo | Logo | Logo | Logo | Logo | — |
| Main-stage signage | Priority logo | Prominent logo | — | — | — | — |
| Onstage acknowledgment | As presenting sponsor | Individual | — | — | — | — |
| Remarks & toast | One representative | One representative | — | — | — | — |
| Dedicated social media | 3 features | 2 features | 1 acknowledgment | Shared tier spotlight | Shared tier spotlight | — |
| Gala social videos | Presenting recognition | Sponsor recognition | — | — | — | — |
| TCA press releases | Pre- and post-event | Post-event | Post-event | — | — | — |
Recognition in TCA-issued materials does not guarantee independent media coverage.
Print deadline
Friday, November 6, 2026
Confirm your sponsorship and submit your high-resolution logo and program advertisement or tribute to guarantee printed recognition.
Guest names due
Friday, November 20, 2026
Submit names for your allotted Gala seats and confirm Patron Party attendance. Unconfirmed seats may be released to general registration.
To discuss your participation, email legacy@tca-nola.org.
Download Sponsorship PackageCan’t join us?
Honor the legacy with a gift
Your donation supports TCA’s work with New Orleans families, seniors, and individuals.
Plan your visit
Good to know
InterContinental New Orleans
3rd Floor
444 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA
Attire
Elegant Attire
What time does the evening begin?
The Patron Party for sponsors and their guests runs from 6 to 7 p.m. The Gala follows from 7 to 10 p.m.
When do ticket sales end?
Ticket sales end Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Can I buy a ticket to the Patron Party?
The Patron Party is reserved for Gala sponsors and their guests. Every sponsorship level includes Patron Party access.
What should I wear?
Elegant attire.
Where in the hotel is the Gala?
The Gala is on the 3rd floor of the InterContinental New Orleans.
I’m a sponsor. How do I submit my guests?
Please email guest names for your allotted seats and confirm Patron Party attendance to legacy@tca-nola.org by November 20, 2026.
Who can I contact with questions?
For sponsorship information or any questions about the Gala, email legacy@tca-nola.org.
Join us December 5th