Watching the krewes roll by, waving frantically to get their attention and catching the throws then hauling the bounty home — it’s an essential part of childhood in New Orleans. But for some of the city’s children who have special health needs, a television broadcast or online livestream was as close as they could get.
That was until Dr. Juan Gershanik, with the help of leaders at the Touro Synagogue, where he attends services, and a group of volunteers, started the Krewe of VIPs.
Now, each Carnival season, taking advantage of the synagogue’s prime location on St. Charles Avenue, stands are set up so hundreds of special needs children that were once unable to join in on the festivities can get up close and personal. The proximity to the synagogue offers ramps for those in wheelchairs, a close and accessible restroom and lots of food and entertainment for them and their families.…