About Pepper
Finding Compassion at Every Turn
Pepper was a creative, free spirit who loved to travel with her dog, a backpack and her banjo. Along her journey, whether in a van, or on a train, she cultivated immense compassion for fellow travelers - often going out of her way to ensure they had necessary food or shelter. Her art was wide ranging from creating street art, dabbling in fashion design, playing her music, or creating intricate, commissioned chainmail jewelry.
Our Mission
Finding a genuinely caring way to help young artists pursue their creative dreams is the vision of this fund. Every young person, regardless of housing status or educational accomplishments, should be able to access tools to create, express, and transform their lives through their creative passions, whether it be art, music, poetry or some other form of the arts unique to the individual. My daughter Pepper knew this and during her time living in New Orleans, she was a big advocate of support amongst her friends.
To honor Pepper's creative and caring vision, this fund was set up by Pepper's mother after her daughter's untimely death at the age of 27 in 2024.
Meet Pepper's Krewe
Cindy Turrell, aka Mom
Founder / Intake
Sprout
Co-Founder / Intake
Grounscore
Local Marketing
Brian Turrell
Treasurer / Secretary
So, What is a Pepper MoonBeam?
Pepper's nickname came from an innocent comment from a friend that he liked the freckles on her face, as if someone had sprinkled pepper on her nose. The name stuck and became her moniker.
Pepper believed in the spiritual power and positive energy of the moon. A full moon is a powerful reminder of her beauty and strength to those of us who loved her. The full moon is known as an ultimate release or liberator, which is how art can be at its origin. Art can provide the highest creative outlet and release of emotions that otherwise may have a hard time being processed. Once art is created, it becomes a powerful and poignant reminder to the rest of the world of the messages it provides.
Pepper had a beautiful tattoo of a barn owl soaring in front of a full moon. After her passing many of Pepper's friends reported seeing owls as they were performing their own personal rituals to honor her on the night of a full moon.
This is a strong message to look for signs sent by loved ones from afar.
Pepper's MoonBeams honors her spirit. When the moon shines bright, those who benefit from this initiative will hopefully look up and be grateful for the power of love - whether from this world or the next.