About
Halloween New Orleans has played a vital role in the history of Project Lazarus. Begun in 1983, Halloween New Orleans was established as a private nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of raising funds to support the mission of Project Lazarus.
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The weekend of events include the famous Lazarus Ball, the main costume party on Saturday night and a Sunday brunch and French Quarter second line parade. This weekend of fun was originally started as a dinner party given by a few people to honor their friends and loved ones who had died from HIV/AIDS and has become the single largest cumulative donor to Project Lazarus since the agency’s inception.
Our Mission
The mission of the Hosts of Halloween is to provide funding for Project Lazarus, the oldest and largest agency providing wrap-around support services and housing to people living with HIV/AIDS, so that they may provide these services for their residents. Project Lazarus, which provides direct HIV/AIDS services, is the sole beneficiary of all funds which are raised.
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In our 40 year history, we have raised almost $4.7M for Project Lazarus. We are one of the only 100% donation/volunteer event weekends left in the US.
A community coming together to share their love and sense of family, a community celebrating its unique culture and love of showmanship, a community coming to the aid of its own in the dark days of the AIDS crisis, and a community triumphing over challenges with a resilient, joyful spirit.
2026 Board of Directors
We’re always looking for motivated, fun, strong leaders for our Board and Committees. Want to be a part of this amazing organization? Email us!
Corporate Board
President: Aaron Rusich
Treasurer: Kaylan McDuff
Project Lazarus Executive Director: Ian Bicko
2026 Event Board
Friday - The Lazarus Ball:
Jenn Brinkley
Jacob Raffray
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Saturday - The Main Event:
Joseph Arnoult
Carter Green
Kaylan McDuff
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Sunday - Tea Dance:
Tony Leggio​
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Sponsorship:
Ethan Skaggs​
Nick Hebert
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Marketing & Design:
Thomas Vanderbrook
Nick Myers