Repairing the World, One Spark of Light at a Time

During her closing remarks at the 2026 Oscar J. Tolmas Legacy Reception, Sherri Tarr inspired attendees representing a wide range of organizations across Greater New Orleans that are supported by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. Her message challenged community leaders to continue to be a source of hope, compassion, and strength in their respective spheres of influence. While directed to those in the room, her call to action resonates with all of us as we carry our work forward. Read her remarks below.

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As we bring this evening to a close, I want to return to a theme that has run through so much of what we’ve celebrated tonight: light.

In Jewish tradition, there is a beautiful teaching that tells us that when Gd created the world, shards of divine light were scattered throughout creation. Our responsibility is to seek out those sparks, gather them, and through acts of tikkun olam, repairing the world, we help restore that light. Every act of loving kindness, every gesture of compassion, every act of tzedakah, or righteousness, becomes part of that sacred work.

When I look around this room tonight, I see people and organizations who do this work every day. I see leaders who care for families in crisis, educators who inspire the next generation, advocates who stand up for those who need a voice, and philanthropists who make all of it possible. Each of us, in our own way, is helping to collect those scattered sparks and bring more light into the world.

Oscar J. Tolmas understood that generosity is not simply about giving. It is about creating opportunity, strengthening community, and leaving the world brighter than you found it. Because of his vision and commitment, we are all empowered and supported as we touch countless lives across Greater New Orleans.

Tonight, we are especially grateful to Vince and Lisa for carrying that light forward in his name. Through your leadership and your dedication to honoring Oscar’s values, his light continues to shine. It shines through every organization represented in this room, through every life impacted by your support, and through every act of service that makes our community stronger.

My hope is that when we leave this evening, we carry that light with us. May we continue to be a source of hope, compassion, and strength in our respective spheres of influence. May we keep gathering those sparks wherever we find them. And may the collective light of our agencies continue to illuminate New Orleans for generations to come.

Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for all that you do. And thank you for helping us repair the world, one spark of light at a time.