Buffa's Bar & Restaurant will be hosting a blood drive this coming Saturday, June 4, to recognize and support Joe Cooper— a New Orleans based musician and tie-dye vendor who was shot in the abdomen during an attempted home invasion early last week
Cooper was injured while defending his wife, WWOZ broadcaster and Buffa's Entertainment Director, Leslie Cooper, from a round of gunfire aimed at their St. Roch Avenue home on the night of Monday, May 23. A neighbor overheard the shots and dialed 911 to alert the police of the incident. First responders immediately arrived and rushed Copper to University Medical Center, where he received a life-saving blood transfusion that has inspired the Buffa's event in his honor.
Joe and Leslie Cooper are both known and loved for their collective contribution to the music and spirit of New Orleans, and the Gentilly neighborhood in particular. In the days that have passed since the shooting, coworkers, friends, and community members have already organized massively to uplift Cooper and rally around the cause of blood donation. The Maple Leaf Bar, where Cooper is known for selling his tie-dye wears and enjoying late nights, hosted a successful benefit concert and blood drive this past Saturday, May 28, as well.
The event this weekend will take place starting at 11a.m. at Buffa's Restaurant & Bar (1001 Esplanade Avenue) on Saturday, and it will last until 3 p.m. Within this window of time, the public is welcome to join the Buffa's family in donating blood, and in exchange can enjoy the free music, red beans, rice, and non-alcoholic refreshments that will be provided by the restaurant.
All are encouraged to sign up and help a worthy cause while supporting a dedicated community member. There is also a GoFundMe campaign in Cooper's support for those who are unable to attend or to donate blood.
