7 minute read
Lauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle
Louisiana’s Spring Woman Of The Season!
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The incomparable Lauren Daigle has sold-out headlining concerts on three continents and has multiple gold-certified and platinum singles from her albums “How Can It Be” and “Look Up Child.” Her triple-platinum song “You Say” broke records and is the longest-running #1 song on any Billboard chart. It’s currently at 135+ weeks! Lauren was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and raised in Lafayette, and she is Louisiana all the way! She loves her home state and is the face of Louisiana Travel.
As an artist, Lauren is a must-hear/ must-see, she has a soulful and powerful voice and a stage presence like only a Louisiana girl could! Along with two Grammy’s, she’s earned seven Billboard Music Awards, ten GMA Dove Awards, and four American Music Awards. The list is incredible, but Lauren says that getting to connect with fans and hear how much her music has impacted their lives,
“I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday, and I told him, ‘Awards and all these things, they’re so much fun to get to be a part of. But what is transformative is when you see tears fall down their cheeks because of what a song has meant to them or what words have meant to them in a really hard time.’”
As a Superfan, I’m often sporting LD merchandise. As a result, I have experienced what she is talking about. I’ve heard stories from so many people about how Lauren’s music has changed their lives. I have come to expect it, and it’s incredible. On Easter this year, I met a guy who told me that he had experienced an overdose in 2020. He said, “The paramedics said that I had no heartbeat and I wasn’t breathing. My girlfriend was there and started praying. All that I remember is hearing the beginning of her (pointing at my t-shirt) song “Still Rolling Stones,” and I opened my eyes. It was amazing. It was a miracle.” Hearing stories like his makes me grateful for Lauren’s music and always puts me in awe of God and His love.
I have wanted to feature Lauren since the day this magazine launched. Her success in the music industry is impressive, and her heart for people is so great. She is sweet, silly, and talking to her feels like you’re talking to a neighbor, honestly!
Over the last 2 1/2 years, she has helped so many people. Not just with her music but also in her actions that show how much she believes in giving back. Lauren doesn’t just talk about giving back and walking in love but leads by example. I am so grateful that Lauren was able to take time and do the interview with me. I’m excited about sharing with those of you who don’t know her yet about who she is and about this incredible MOVEMENT OF LOVE that we all have the chance to be a part of with our Woman Of The Season, Lauren Daigle!
I was at her Christmas concert in 2019 when I first learned about The Price fund, Lauren’s foundation named after her late grandfather. She said, “it was created to help children, the elderly, and those in need around the world.” She told the audience of a conversation she had with a prisoner while visiting Statesville prison. She asked him, “what can we do to stop so many people from going to prison? Where do we intercept people in time?” His answer was to start with the youth.
Lauren said,
That night I witnessed kids walk down the isles of The Seanger Theatre and onto the stage, playing their instruments, and performing. That weekend, partnering with organizations in the city, The Price Fund gave over $270,000 for those children in New Orleans. The groups were The Ellis Marsalis Center, Young Audiences of Louisiana Charter School, Roots of Music, and Kid Smart. I was inspired. I would have never known that I’d launch LA Women In Business Magazine less than eight months later and be speaking to Lauren about the foundation.
My first question: In the mission statement for The Price Fund, it says that supporting the foundation will provide for young and elderly around the world. That’s SO BIG! It’s incredible, and I understand the heart behind it. Can you explain how you choose the projects or partnerships that the donations go to?
“Growing up in such a close-knit community the, idea that we take care of each other was really instilled in me at an early age. When I see others in need, I can’t help but try and find a way to help; it’s in my nature! Each year we try to focus on a theme. For instance, in 2019, we really tried to focus on music education and children’s organizations in New Orleans.” She went on to say,
I asked her what her ideal way to support the elderly would be and how people with that particular group on their heart could be encouraged to give. She answered, “My intention is really to serve communities that are often overlooked, and unfortunately, the elderly tend to fall in there. I just remember sitting with my own grandparents, learning from them and hearing their stories. That time is invaluable. It breaks my heart to think that there are people’s grandparents out there struggling when we can provide them with some quality time.”
That is so simple and so true. Give them your time.
I had become as involved as I could with The Price Fund each time new projects were announced. The first after that show was a partnership with Bob Goff’s Love Does Foundation to build a school in Goma, a city in the Congo. The region has been in conflict and unstable since the Kivu conflict since 2004.
During our interview, I asked for an update on when the school would be open and how many children would be attending. She was genuinely excited as she told me, “The school is actually already open! They were recently allowed to reopen with precautions in place. They currently have 243 students total, and I’m told that they are all doing great! It’s so wonderful knowing that these kids are having the opportunity to learn and nurture their talents to grow into incredible people!”
When I spoke with Lauren in mid-March, The Price Fund had recently given an incredible gift of $170,000 to NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts.) I asked LD how this project came to pass and how many kids or the length of time the 170K contribution will support the center.
While NOCCA has free tuition, they don’t cover the costs of supplies/equipment which, especially in the last year, has proven tough. We’re so happy that through this gift we’re able to help over 200 kids through the 2020-2021 school year. It is my hope to give as many kids as possible the opportunity to pursue their goals.”
Amazing!
LD’s website now has in-depth looks at these projects, so you can learn more by checking out The Price Fund link found on laurendaigle.com.
What’s next?
“With the release of “Hold On To Me” we are working with several organizations that relate to the music video. We really wanted to go with charities that focused on eradicating domestic violence, prison reform and wrongful convictions, music education, causes that help support the family unit, ending human trafficking and supporting survivors. There is a lot coming up that I am really excited about and I cannot wait to work with these organizations supporting their already incredible work!”
The work that Lauren Daigle and The Price Fund have already accomplished since 2017 is astounding. I’m no longer overwhelmed at how big the picture is! If you would like to donate to The Price Fund, visit https://laurendaigle.com/theprice-fund/#donate.
Sometimes I think we forget that we are all just people who need love, human interaction, and others who can be someone for us to hold on to when things are hard. I know that this look into the world that I often push to the back of my mind has made me find ways to help and volunteer even though it has changed.
I hope this has inspired you to turn your attention to kindness and made you feel more connected to everyone around you.
Check out “Hold On To Me” and go visit your grandparents!
Lauren has concerts scheduled in Lafayette and New Orleans in October and November this year. I hope to see you all there!
Lauren Daigle donates $60,000 to Roots Of Music for kids in New Orleans
