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About
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About

For over 75 years, Edgar “Dooky” Jr. & Leah Chase had been catalysts for social change and voices for progress for the People, City, and State they love. The foundation serves as a conduit to continue their efforts and support of others that embody the same passion and values.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Chase had been actively involved in their community for decades to support causes that are most important to them. Mrs. Chase modestly supported their church, schools and civic organizations’ through fundraising efforts by humbly baking hundreds of Lemon Meringue Pies. She also provided visionary leadership as President of the Women’s Auxiliary of Flint Goodridge Hospital and served as Chair of one of the earlier Ebony Fashion Fair Fashion Shows. A fundraiser to sustain the operational mission of Flint Goodridge Hospital, the city’s main healthcare facility for African Americans during the era of racial segregation.

Mr. Chase was a trumpeter for voter registration and bravely encouraged so many to register to vote. Dooky Chase Restaurant went on to provide a safe place for individuals of all ethnic communities to meet and discuss strategies for the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. & Mrs. Chase were forerunners that vigorously worked to open doors for African American Artists and Entertainers. Mr. Chase, as a legendary musician and Leader of the Dooky Chase Orchestra, was the first African American to co-promote a musical concert that was held in the Municipal Auditorium. Billed as “The Greatest Show of 1949” a line-up that included Duke Ellington and his full orchestra. This historical event was enjoyed by a racially mixed audience during the era of segregation.

Mr. & Mrs. Chase were patrons of black art and helped to create opportunities for African American Artists to showcase their talents. Their collection — displayed on the walls of the restaurant — was at one time considered New Orleans’ best collection of African American Art. Mrs. Chase served on the board of the New Orleans Museum of Fine Arts and has even testified before Congress to lobby for greater funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. They were true ambassadors for the Cultural Arts and had empowered and inspired artists to live their dreams.

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DONATE

Every contribution helps to support those organizations that encourage education, culinary arts, cultural arts and social justice activities.

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EVENTS

Dooky Chase Foundation aims to Thread Cultures through Food and Music.

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NEWS

For Marketing, Appearance & Speaking Engagement Inquiries: Stella Chase Resse (504) 821-0535

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SPONSORS

Partnering with us provides companies with the opportunity to support the programs and initiatives in the city in which you do business.

The Edgar "Dooky" Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation seeks to cultivate and support organizations that engage in activities that support cultural arts, education, culinary arts, and social justice.

Beneficiaries of the Dooky Chase Foundation Grant

Past Beneficiaries

  • A’s & Aces

  • Besh Foundation

  • Chef John Folse's Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University

  • Community Works of Louisiana

  • Cypress Academy

  • Dillard University

  • Edible Schoolyard

  • Grow Dat Youth Farm (Tulane University)

  • Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp

  • Mid-City Ministries

  • New Orleans Council on Aging

  • Odyssey House

  • Providence Community Housing

  • Silverback Society, Inc.

  • St. Katherine Drexel Prepatory School

  • St. Peter Claver Catholic Church - St. Edmund's Social Concern and Community Concert for Black History Month

  • Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR)

  • The Beautiful Foundation, Inc.

  • The Musical Arts Society 

  • Uptown Jazz Orchestra

  • Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans - Mentoring Children of Promise

  • Xavier University of Louisiana

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