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March 2, 2016Minor closure in South Hollywood this weekend
March 3, 2016
For non-profit organizations, virtually every bit of funding available is a chance to serve the people of the community a little bit better. Through GiveNOLA for the Bayou Region Day, a one-day online giving event hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, those dollars are now heading to the bayou region for a second year.
Coordinated by the Bayou Community Foundation, a vehicle created to provide for local non-profits, the public is encouraged for 24 hours on May 3 to dip into their wallets and give generously to those that depend on their support year-round. To make giving as simple as possible, organizations that have signed up to participate will be listed on GiveNOLA’s website by category and parish, along with a button to contribute a minimum of $10.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s a way for there to be friendly competition between non-profit organizations to encourage as many donors as possible, many of whom give $10, $20, and many of whom are giving for the first time to their favorite non-profits to give and be as generous as possible,” Albert Ruesga, Greater New Orleans Foundation president and CEO, said last week during a press conference for the event. “We’re so grateful to be having this partnership with the Bayou Community Foundation to inspire as many people to give.”
During last year’s giving marathon, $39,333 from 900 donors poured in, benefitting 40 participating non-profits. This year, organizers are hoping to push past that with a goal of $50,000 from 1,100 donors benefiting 50 participating non-profits.
To amp up involvement, Spahr’s Seafood has signed on to sponsor celebrations at its locations in Thibodaux and Houma. Focus Street near the Thibodaux restaurant will be shut down for day-long festivities while community members in Terrebonne Parish are invited to mingle in the parking lot of the restaurant on Tunnel Boulevard.
“Spahr’s Seafood, for 48 years, has relied on you guys to support us and y’all have come in large numbers,” Scott Robichaux, operations advisor for Spahr’s said. “Two years ago, as a company, we decided it was time for us to give back to the community that has supported us for so many years.”
Bayou non-profits also reap the rewards of the Al Danos, Jr. Memorial Lagniappe Fund, a little something extra created by the Bayou Community Foundation in memory of one of its biggest champions and the retired owner of Danos & Curole. Last year, $11,800 was divvied up among the organizations. This year, the foundation is hoping to garner $20,000.
For some, the money means the opportunity to take in a few more stray animals, while others rely on the funding to preserve the histor-
ic parts of the community. For Operations for Independence, a social service agency helping those dealing with everything from developmental disabilities to mental illness, the $3,700 it raised in 2015 helped open the doors of Hooper Dorm, a residential care facility on the grounds of McDonnell Methodist Children’s Home for girls ages 10-17. The one-day event also generated significant interest in the agency.
“The best part about that day is the awareness that your organization will get in the community,” Director Barry Chauvin explained. “We actually raised an additional $20,000 during the year and I do think that is in large part to people being a lot more aware of Options for Independence and Hooper Dorm.”
City of Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete discusses plans for citywide celebrations during a press conference for GiveNOLA for the Bayou Region Day. The 24-hour giving event is set for May 3 and benefits local non-profits.
