9 Days of Al Copeland - Support Cancer Patients at Copeland’s
Celebrate 9 Days of Al Copeland and Help Families Fighting Cancer
Every summer, the team at Copeland’s of New Orleans comes together with our guests and community for one of the most meaningful events of the year: the 9 Days of Al Copeland. What began as a way to honor the legacy of founder Al Copeland Sr. has grown into a powerful annual fundraiser benefiting the Al Copeland Foundation (ACF) and the families it serves.
From June 28 through July 6, guests can help make a direct impact simply by dining with us, ordering online, or making a donation. Every dollar donated during the campaign is matched by the Copeland family, doubling the support provided to patients and families navigating cancer treatment. During the promotion, $1 from every spicy fried chicken entrée sold also goes directly to the foundation’s Patient Assistance Fund.
The nine-day campaign begins on June 28, officially recognized as “Al Copeland Day,” and concludes on July 6 – National Fried Chicken Day – a fitting tribute to the entrepreneur who changed the restaurant industry forever.
A Legacy Bigger Than Restaurants…
Al Copeland Sr. was known for doing things in a big way – from creating unforgettable restaurant experiences to building brands that became part of Louisiana culture. But beyond the restaurants, he was deeply passionate about helping others.
After his diagnosis in 2007 with the rare form of skin cancer known as Merkel Cell Carcinoma, the Copeland family was faced with the challenges of finding appropriate access to cancer care. They recognized they had an opportunity to fill a deep need within the state of Louisiana.
Though Big Al lost his battle to Merkel Cell Carcinoma in March of 2008, his life and legacy live on through the mission of the Al Copeland Foundation. ACF is an organization dedicated to advancing cancer care while also helping families manage the real-life challenges that come with treatment.
Today, the foundation continues that mission by supporting clinical research, increasing access to screenings and treatments, and assisting patients who are dealing with the financial strain cancer can bring.
Making a Difference for Families
The Patient Assistance Fund was created to help families facing the day-to-day burdens that often accompany cancer treatment. While medical bills can be overwhelming on their own, many families also struggle with additional costs like travel, lodging, time away from work, and other everyday expenses.
Families Like Kenajia’s
When a child is fighting cancer, families are often forced to balance treatment, work, travel, and everyday expenses all at once.
While traveling for chemotherapy treatments, support from the Al Copeland Pediatric Oncology Patient Assistance Fund helped relieve financial stress so her family could focus on what mattered most: her care.
Kenajia is a patient at Ochsner Children’s
“In the midst of the storm, [The Al Copeland Foundation] brought light. In that moment, I was wondering how I was going to care for my daughter’s expenses, and this support lifted some of the weight off my shoulders. I’m forever grateful.”
– Rhaneka Q., Mother of Patient
And the impact of the program continues to grow:
- Since 2023, more than $436,000 has been donated through the Patient Assistance Fund
- 275 families have received direct support during treatment
Every contribution made during the 9 Days of Al Copeland campaign helps continue that support for families who need it most.
How You Can Participate
More Than a Fundraiser
The 9 Days of Al Copeland campaign is about more than raising money – it’s about bringing people together around a shared purpose.
Throughout the campaign, members of the Copeland family and restaurant team will spend time giving back to the local community, including visiting Manning Family Children’s Hospital to deliver meals and encouragement to pediatric patients, their families, and hospital staff.
That spirit of hospitality, generosity, and community care has always been central to the Copeland family mission and remains an important part of the company today under the leadership of Al Copeland Jr..
