Baton Rouge, LA — This Halloween season, the 10/31 Consortium brought the spirit of giving and community to new heights, lighting up the lives of children and families throughout Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. The nonprofit’s impactful programs reached hundreds, fulfilling its mission to make Halloween safe, inclusive, and memorable for all. Through initiatives like costume giveaways, trick-or-treat revitalization, and unique hospital care packages, the 10/31 Consortium’s 2024 season proved to be a spook-tacular success.
With the help of over 40 local businesses and organizations that opened their doors to collect costumes and candy, 10/31 Consortium hosted events and programs that brought smiles to countless little monsters and goblins. In Donaldsonville alone (where costume services were expanded for the first time) 104 costumes found new homes, while Baton Rouge celebrated the distribution of 353 costumes. An additional 447 costumes were joyfully delivered to group costume requests, benefiting organizations like the Big Buddy Program. The 10/31 Consortium distributed a whopping 1,000 pounds of candy, and collected 366 pounds of food to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, helping local families keep the Halloween spirit alive for trick-or-treaters around the city.
“We saw firsthand the joy that a simple costume and a few treats can bring to children and families,” said Lance Martin, Programs Co-Chair of 10/31 Consortium. “It’s amazing to see how our community rallies together to make Halloween special for everyone.”
An equally heartwarming part of the 10/31 Consortium’s efforts involved brightening the holiday for children in Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Outpatient Services. The organization provided 70 hospital-safe Halloween gift bags, filled with festive items carefully chosen to bring comfort and fun to children who may be unable to join in traditional Halloween festivities.
Youth involvement played a significant role this season through the 10/31 Consortium’s Kids Court, where Prince Clark Newsome and Princess Juliette Agra took on leadership roles, lending helping hands to sort costumes, stuff treat bags, and ensure everything was ready for Halloween. The Kids Court Youth Leadership and Volunteer Program fosters responsibility, compassion, and a spirit of service in our youngest Halloween enthusiasts.
“It feels like we are not just sharing costumes; we are creating memories and fostering a sense of belonging in the community,” said Dana Fontenot, 10/31 Consortium’s Programs Co-Chair. “Every child deserves the joy of dressing up and embracing the creativity Halloween provides.”
From providing costumes and candy to fostering a sense of togetherness, 10/31 Consortium wrapped up the 2024 Halloween season with tremendous community impact. This year’s efforts remind us that the Halloween spirit isn’t just about spooky costumes and treats—it’s about giving, connecting, and creating lasting memories for all ages.
The last item on the 2024 agenda is the transition of leadership to the 2025 Board of Directors who began their terms on November 1, 2024. The 2025 Leadership Team for 10/31 Consortium is as follows:
COREY TULLIER
Co-Founder, President, & CEO
JAMIE SCHEXNAYDER
Co-Founder, Treasurer, & CFO
KELLEY STEIN
Co-Founder, Ex Officio, & CMO
LESTER MUT
Secretary
AMY AGRA, DANA FONTENOT, & LANCE MARTIN
Programs Co-Chairs
BRITTANY KING & JEREMY LONGMIRE
Krewe Membership Co-Chairs
DANA CARBO
Fundraising Chair
AMY LEBLANC & NICKY MINES
Fifolet Halloween Festival Co-Captains
JOHNNIE ADAMS & JUDY GONZALES
Volunteer Coordinators
JESSICA FALKS & LANCE PARKER
Communications Co-Chairs
For more information on 10/31 Consortium and how to get involved in upcoming events, please visit 1031Consortium.com.