American Girl Honors New Orleans: Cecile and Marie-Grace {Giveaway}

As the 6th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina draws near, I am reminded of how she tried to rob my City of it’s structures, it’s landscape, it’s culture and it’s music.  Unfortunately, New Orleans did lose a great deal during the Storm of 2005, but we did not lose our pride and desire to come together as a community to rebuild…better than before.

Much in this spirit of coming together, American Girl has released a heart warming six book series set in 1853 New Orleans.  For the first time, the company which encourages girls ages 3-12 to dream, grow, inspire and create is releasing two historical characters at once.  Cecile Ray, an African American girl and Marie-Grace Gardner, a Caucasian girl, illustrate the story of a unique friendship which allows the girls to reach across the boundaries of race and class.  Struggling through the hardships of yellow fever which became rampant in 1853 New Orleans, the girls work together to help a community in need.

I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarity to 2005 New Orleans as the people of New Orleans became one and vowed to make the City better than before.  One such example is the soon to open Ellis Marsalis Center of Music located in the heart of Musician’s Village in the Upper Ninth Ward of New Orleans.  Especially in a time where music programs are being cut from local schools, it is imperative for the people of New Orleans to preserve our music culture.  The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music will host many after school programs in music and dance for local children, many of whom lost everything in Hurricane Katrina.  Providing a safe place for the kids to learn from the very people who are part of New Orleans history is only one aspect of the Center.  This 17,000 square foot facility will also contain a performance hall, recording studios and a gathering place for the community to keep the music alive in post-Katrina New Orleans.

To support the effort, American Girl has teamed up with 13 year old Kate Connick and her father Harry Connick, Jr., a music legend here in New Orleans.  The pair created an original song, “A Lot Like Me” to accompany the new American Girl series which is available for download on iTunes.  The best part?  All proceeds will benefit the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music!

Of course, American Girl is bringing the story to life with two new dolls and fabulous accessories which reflect the time period of 1853 New Orleans.  I am so excited for New Orleans characters to be included in the infamous American Girl collection!  The dolls and accessories can be pre-ordered now (the masquerade ball outfits are adorable!) and will be available in American Girl Outlet stores on August 30th. My daughters are so excited!

GIVEAWAY

In honor of this historic release by American Girl, I have BOTH Cecile Ray and Marie-Grace Gardner dolls for one lucky winner!!

How to Enter: