DeCourt to be roasted as part of NIPD fundraiser

Mayor Freddie DeCourt will sit in the hot seat April 11 as a local fundraiser for the New Iberia Police Department will feature the mayor getting roasted from a local panel. 

Organizer Andree Schlicher said the idea came about as a way to provide funds for the NIPD in getting new equipment. 

“What we’re doing is putting on a fundraiser for the NIPD, and our goal is to take our law enforcement to the next level,” Schlicher said. “We are raising money for specialized equipment for them.”

Louisiana State Sen. Fred Mills, R-Parks, well known for his entertainment skills, is already featured on the main roster and a committee is currently being organized to select the full lineup. 

The event will also feature both a live and silent auction as well. Starting this week, sponsorships will begin to be accepted for those who want to donate to the project. 

A single ticket is $250, but sponsorships of any amount will be accepted, Schlicher said. Gold, silver and bronze level sponsorships will bring chair seats for the event as well as other incentives. 

“These are just members of the community who saw a need,” Schlicher said. “We met the mayor to make sure we were able to do this, and this was a need that we perceived the department having. The mayor was very excited and got on board, and he met with the chief so there’s a lot of excitement.”

The money raised for the event will match the needs of the department, Schlicher said. 

“We’re thinking to make it more technology based, something any business wants but can’t have,” she said. “We’re hoping to look at their wish list and look at what we can fulfill. 

“As members of the community we’ve seen the positive progres the New Iberia Police Department has given our community, so we’re hoping by doing this we take them to the next level. 

“We want them to continue doing that great job and this will help reach those goals,” Schlicher added.