holiday gift guide
3 Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry
Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry FOR LEE MICHAEL BERG, it’s all about family. The family he and his wife Brenda gave life to—their three sons—and the family that gives life to their business—their two hundred employees. The couple opened their first store at Cortana Mall in Baton Rouge in 1978. Now, with all three sons—Ryan, Scott and Chad—in leadership roles, there are eight Lee Michaels stores in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, featuring quality lines such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, David Yurman and Montblanc, as well as three Pandora stores. Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has attained a level of excellence few first-generation businesses can match. To Lee, the jewelry business is all about relationships with customers. “This is a very personal business. People want to talk with the person who owns the business,” says Lee. “But, the bigger the business gets, the further the owner gets from the customer. The trick is to figure out how to get our employees to act like owners, to feel the same passion and the desire to please as we do.” Lee found that the key was to hire associates who love people and want to provide customers with an extraordinary experience. “They can always learn about the business, but they can’t learn how to care for people. That has to come from within. This is a family-oriented company. We treat customers as guests.” Always as guests—even if it means going above and beyond. A customer came in on Christmas Eve looking for a certain $500,000 necklace for Christmas. But it was in Arizona. So, Chad flew to Arizona, got the necklace, and delivered it in time for Christmas. Everyone’s happy. And that’s the way Lee Berg likes it. “We’re really not in the jewelry business. We’re in the people business. We’re in the celebration business!” And 37 years of happy customers agree. That signature red Lee Michaels box contains more than just jewelry. It holds a lifelong reminder of a moment too beautiful to forget.
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Publisher Lori Murphy ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Editor-in-Chief Anne Honeywell Senior Editor Jan Murphy Managing Editor Leah Draffen ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Art Director Brad Growden Graphic Designer Jennifer Starkey Production Intern Madison Hutson ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Business Manager Jane Quillin Senior Account Executives Poki Hampton Candice Laizer Barbara Roscoe Account Executives Barbara Bossier Jonée Daigle-Ferrand Amy Taylor Advertising Coordinator Margaret Rivera Sales Intern Faith Saucier ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For advertising information phone (504) 934-9684 fax (504) 934-7721 email sales@insidepub.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Contact Inside Northside P.O. Box 9148 Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 phone (985) 626-9684 fax (985) 674-7721 website insidenorthside.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE is published annually (December) by M and L Publishing, LLC, PO Box 9148, Mandeville, LA 70470-9148 as a means of communication and information for St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, Louisiana. Bulk Postage paid at Mandeville, LA. Copyright ©2016 by M & L Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written consent of publisher. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and artwork. Inside Northside Magazine is created using the Adobe Creative Suite on Apple Macintosh computers.
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Inside Scoop a guide to northshore holiday events and entertainment
December 2 Home for the Holidays. Performed by Northlake Performing Arts Society. Our Lady of Lourdes, 3924 Berkley St, Slidell. 276-9335. npas.info. 2-23 Celebration in the Oaks. City Park. Sun-Thurs, 6-10pm; Fri.-Sat, 6-11pm. neworleanscitypark.com. 3-4, 10-11, 17-24 Teddy Bear Tea. The Roosevelt New Orleans—A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 130 Roosevelt Way. Reservations required. (504) 335-3129. therooseveltneworleans.com. 3, 10 Gingerbread House Building Workshops. Red Fish Grill,115 Bourbon St. 9-11am or 12:30-2:30pm seating. (504) 539-5508. redfishgrill.com. 3, 10, 17, 24 Covington’s Christmas in the Country. Live music, mimosas, small bites and special deals. Downtown Covington. 10am-6pm. covla.com. 4 Teddy Bear Tea. The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St, Covington. 11am and 2pm. Reservations required. $30 per person. 898-3988. englishtearoom.com. 4 The Nutcracker Suite. A New Orleans Ballet Association production. Tulane University, Dixon Hall. 3pm and 6pm. $10. nobadance.com. 4 LPO Yuletide Celebration. Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 2nd St. 2:30pm. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com. 4 8th Annual Christmas at TerraBella. Benefitting the Samaritan Center-Coat Drive for the Homeless. 3-6pm. 8717171. terrabellavillage.com. 9 Sips of the Season. Old Mandeville shops and restaurants. 5-8pm. 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com. 9-18 The Nutcracker: A Magical Musical. Inspired by R.T.A. Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and The Mouse King. 30 by Ninety Theatre, 880 Lafayette St, 4
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Mandeville. (844)THE-3090. 30byninety.com. 10 A Christmas Past Festival. Old-time holiday theme, food, drinks, bands and caroling. Old Mandeville. 9am-3pm. Free. (985) 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com. 10 Jazz Brunch with Santa. Court of Two Sisters Restaurant, 613 Royal St. 10am or 12:30pm. Reservation required. (504) 522-7261. courtoftwosisters.com. 10 Winter on the Water. Parade, lighting of the lakefront live oaks and more. Lakeshore Dr from harbor to gazebo, Old Mandeville. 4-6pm. Free. 624-3147. cityofmandeville.com. 10-11 Preservation Resource Center’s Holiday Home Tour. Tour eight stunning homes dressed for the Holidays in New Orleans’ historic Garden District. 10am-4pm. (504) 581-7032. prcno.org. 11 History and Holly Holiday Home Tour. Covington. 4-8pm. covingtonheritagefoundation.com. 11 Nutcracker Tea. Ballerinas, Santa and music of the Nutcracker Ballet. The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St, Covington. 11am and 2pm. Reservations required. 898-3988. englishtearoom.com. 16 Annual Winter Sales Event. Paisley, clothing, gifts, accessories. 2180 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville. 10am-6pm. 727-7880. 16 Baroque Christmas. The Louisiana Philharmonic performs. First Baptist Church, 16333 Hwy 1085, Covington. 7:30pm. (504) 523-6530. lpomusic.com. 16 Don Vappie’s Creole Christmas. Dew Drop Jazz Hall, 430 Lamarque St, Mandeville. 6:30-9pm. dewdropjazzhall.com. 18 A Christmas Brass Spectacular III. Third Sunday Concert Series. Christ Episcopal Church, 120 S New Hampshire St, Covington. Doors open, 4:30pm; 5pm. Free. (985) 892-3177. 18 Teddy Bear Tea. The English Tea Room, 734 Rutland St, Covington. 11am and 2pm. Reservations required. $30 per person. 898-3988. englishtearoom.com. Holiday Gift Guide 2016 5
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1. Radiant fancy yellow diamond double-halo pendant set in 18K white gold, starting at $3,250. Boudreaux’s, Mandeville, 626-1666; Metairie, 504-
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831-2602. 2. 18K ring with 2.30 ct sapphire and 1 cttw of diamonds. Wellington & Company, New Orleans,
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504-525-4855. 3. Beautiful platinum, emerald and diamond necklace: 14.07 carats of diamonds and 14.47 carats of emeralds. Symmetry Jewelers and Designers, New Orleans, 504-861-9925.4. Largest
Holiday Sparkle 5.
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selection of eternity bands in the city. Jack Sutton, New Orleans, 504-5228080, jacksutton.com. 5. Diamond bracelet with 14.11 carats of pure white diamonds: 112 round-cut diamonds totaling 9.84 carats encase 4.27 total carats of baguette-cut diamonds in 18k white gold setting. $48,500. M.S. Rau Antiques, New Orleans, 504-523-5660.
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6. Fine chain with V-shaped pavé diamond bar, $775; fine chain with curved pavé diamond bar, $775; fine chain with straight pavé diamond bar, $415; infinity loop pavé diamond earrings in 14K yellow gold, $550. All in 14K gold. Lee Michael’s Fine Jewelry, 6.
Metairie, 504-832-0000. 7. Crisscross design ring with 2.8 cttw diamonds set in 14K rose gold, $6,550. DeLuca’s Fine Jewelry, Covington, 892-2317.
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8. 18K white gold diamond bracelet, approximately 17.50 cttw, $37,500. Friend and Company, New Orleans, 504-866-5433. 9. 18K white gold black rhodium finish, tourmaline and diamond
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9. necklace. Price available upon request. Adler’s, New Orleans, 504-523-5292. 10. David Yurman Supernova climber earrings with 1.098 cttw of diamonds set in 18K gold, $7,800. Saks Fifth Avenue, New Orleans, 504-524-2400. 10.
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1. Lampe Berger fragrance lamps, starting at $40. Auraluz, Metairie, 504888-3313. 2. A Life in Jazz by Danny Barker, $39.95. The Historic New Orleans Collection, 504-598-7147. 3. Sequined Christmas soldier tote, $28. All Wrapped Up, Mandeville, 778-2041. 4. Streetcar Blues by Brad Budge, 36” x 36”, $600. Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 5. Rebel Waterford by Jo Sampson with golden metal and crystal in multiple shades. Decanter, $195; martini glass, $50; cocktail glass, $50. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 6. UGG throw, $98; UGG over-theknee socks, $45. Stone Creek Club and Spa, Covington, 801-7100.
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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E 1. St. Benedict necklace, $29. DeCoeur Gifts & Home Accessories, Covington, 8093244. 2. Gisele pajamas by Eberjey styled after men’s pjs but sized and shaped for a feminine physique, $120. Basics Underneath Fine Lingerie, Mandeville, 727-9521; New Orleans, 504-894-1000. 3. Caroline dress
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by Olian for the mom-to-be for the holidays, sizes XS-L, $110. Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772. 4. Tia Lyn Chemise for the fuller bust in scarlet satin and lace with matching
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hipster; supportive cups, adjustable straps and lace on back to eliminate “fluff.” Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638. 5. Mock Scuba Dress from the Leopard Collection shown in purple leopard, $190. Kevan Hall Sport, kevanhallsport.com. 6. New Orleansthemed Murfree Scarf features a print of local symbols, $118. Palm Village, a Lily Pulitzer
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1. Hand-crafted art glass tray; food safe; hand wash; starting at $90. Exclusively at Hazelnut, 504-891-2424. 2. Copper cookie cutters in various shapes, starting at $10, Niche Modern Home, Mandeville, 624-4045. 3. SAXX Ultra boxer briefs with patented, hammock-shaped BallPark™ pouch keeps “everything in place” and prevents skin-against-skin friction; viscose fabric is breathable and moisture wicking; $80. Bra Genie, Mandeville, 951-8638. 12
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4. Zero Runner by Octane, easy-on-joints, zero-impact running, $2,999. Fitness Expo, Metairie, 504-887-0880. 5. Boy and girl hand-embroidered knit longalls, starting at $56. Auraluz, Metairie, 504-888-3313. 6. Mamey glitter and crystal point-toe pumps by Jimmy Choo, $975. Saks Fifth Avenue, New Orleans, 504-524-2400.
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1. Christmas-themed hand-crafted wreath, $60. Water Street Wreaths, Madisonville, 792-7979. 2. Nine-piece nesting nativity set of the Holy Family, $51. St. Joseph Abbey Gift Shop, St. Benedict, 6
867-2227. 3. Pillows by Jax, $38. Judy at the Rink, New Orleans, 504-891-7018. 4. Hand-carved pecky cypress open container with two magnetic sides, $120. NOLA Boards, New Orleans, 504-516-2601. 5. Variety of cheese boards include five different cheeses, grapes, figs, apricots, almonds and walnuts; starting at $75. Acquistapace’s Wine and Cheese, Mandeville, 951-2501. 6. Do-it-yourself superhero cape, $39.99; do-it-yourself tutu, $49.99. Olive Patch, Covington, 327-5772. 7. 24” Mother Mary resin statue, $84.95. Nonna Randazzo’s, Covington, 893-1488 or Mandeville, 898-2444.
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1. Hand-crafted Edgar Berebi stemware with interchangable glass tops in Thames Watercress Green, Hanover-Garnet, and Costa-Azul all accented with gems and Swarovski crystals,
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starting at $275. Arabella Fine Gifts and Home DĂŠcor, Mandeville, 727-9787. 2. Insulated cooler, $34; reusable insulated tumbler, $16;
4. Seasonal arrangements starting at $65.
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Florist of Covington, Covington, 892-7701.
set, $38. All items in exotic garden print. Palm Village, a Lily Pulitzer Signature Store, Mandeville, 778-2547. 3. Vintage-inspired diamond and pearl tassel necklace in 18kt, $4,950. Wellington & Company, New Orleans, 504-525-4855.
5. Bamboo Chic Lite Ruana poncho, $98. Tri-color 16� ball beaded necklace in white, grey and gold, $50. The French Mix, Covington, 809-3152. 6. Vinrella, umbrella in a bottle, $20. mÊlange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652.
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1. Seasonal Whispers 24K gold and Swarovski crystals necklace handmade in New York, $149; bracelet, $129. ShoefflÊ, Covington, 898-6465. 2. Lined popover dress with sleek fringes; adjustable spaghetti straps; $295. The Villa, Mandeville, 626-9797. 3. Mystree Taupe fur vest, $64. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville,
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792-0020. 4. Metallic knit top available in two colors, $36. Posh Boutique, Covington, 898-2639. 5. Gold-tone dress by Willbeth in sizes 12M-4T, $85. Baby and Me, Mandeville, 626-0267. Holiday Gift Guide 2016 19
H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E 1. Sleeveless jewel-neck sequined tulle shift dress, $525. FeBe, Metairie, 504-835-5250. 2. 1905 Collection 100% wool plaid tie, regular length, $59.50. Executive Collection wool and silk blend, classic plaid tie, regular length, $49.50. Traveler Collection 100% silk stain-resistant, solid red tie, regular length, $59.50. Jos A. Bank Clothiers; Mandeville, Metairie and New Orleans, 624-4067; 504-5289491. 3. ILLUME hand-crafted scented candles; available in different styles and scents
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starting at $13.50. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0020. 4. White marble cheese plate; available with gold or silver trim, $78. Fur.nish, Metairie, 504-7028514.
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Cane’s, $8.99 plus tax. Buy a $25 gift card, get $5 free. Raising Cane’s, Mandeville, 624-8553. 6. Give a gift certificate toward landscaping or partyscape. Exterior Designs, New Orleans,
504-866-0276. 7. Always the perfect fit! The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0020. 8. Give the gift of play and discovery with a membership to the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center! Memberships start at $90 per year. Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, Hammond, 340-9150. 9. Buy $100 gift certificate, get a $20 gift certificate for free. Andrea’s Restaurant, Metairie, 504-834-8583. 10. A tasty gift to please every palate. One gift card, four locations. Carreta’s Grill, Covington, 871-6674. Holiday Gift Guide 2016 21
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1. Carved and gilded Louis XV side chair, $1,050. History Antiques & Interiors, Covington,
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892-0010. 2. Christmas ornaments made of drury and agate stones, prices vary. Chateau Drugs, Metairie, 504-899-2300. 3. New Orleans embroidered queen pillow, $140; king size, $160. Little Miss Muffin, New Orleans, 504-482-8200. 4. Steamboat Natchez New Orleans & The History of Mississippi River Steamboats, written by Kerri McCaffety and Captain Clark C. Hawley, paperback, $29.95; hardcover, $45. Steamboat Natchez, New Orleans, 504-587-0733. 5. Hand-painted Lazy
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Susan, available in two sizes, starting at $99. Sea La Vie Designs, Mandeville, 373-8223. 6. Large glass dispenser with alligator top, $159. American Factory Direct, Mandeville, 871-0300. Holiday Gift Guide 2016 23
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1. Bite Me Bones in numerous assorted colors; 2
large, $19.99; small, $8.99. Petcetera, New Orleans, 504-269-8711. 2. Enamelware shrimp dip set, $52. History Antiques & Interiors, Covington, 892-0010. 3. Natural black stone wrapped in crystals and beads on thin gold chain, $15.99. Private Beach, Mandeville, 674-2326.
4. The Very First Christmas Stocking and the Gifts of the Seven Coins by local author Terry Paul Lafargue. Paperback, $18.99; hardcover, $31.99. theveryfirstchristmasstocking.com. 5. Signature Collection traditional fit, 100% pima cotton, quarter-zip sweater. Executive Collection traditional fit, 100% cotton crewneck sweater. Executive Collection traditional fit, cotton 4-button mock neck sweater. Sweaters, $109.50, available in a variety of colors. Jos A. Bank Clothiers; Mandeville, Metairie and New Orleans. 624-4067; 504-528-9491. 6. Floral velvet burnout kimono with fringe, $59; necklace, $44. Columbia Street 4
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1. Sanibel embellished fringe-trimmed black dress with round halter neckline and shift silhouette, $398. FeBe, Metairie, 504-8355250. 2. 18K yellow gold pave hoop earrings. Friend & Company, New Orleans, 504-8665433. 3. Metallic wrap skirt with pleat detail, $46. JuJu’s Boutique, Mandeville, 624-3600. 5
4. Press black sequin dress, $82. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 5. Bobi Black Los Angeles silver cowl neck dress, $86. Paisley, Mandeville, 727-7880. 6. Onset black driftwood heel in hand-dyed, full-grain leather with peep toe, back zipper and cushioned insole, $199.99. Cadence black 6
rustic leather handbag with long strap, $129.99. Joe’s Family Shoe Store, Mandeville, 626-5633.
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6 1. Elements Collection torches feature contemporary lines and organic materials. 42”, 50” and 60”, starting at $149.99. Outdoor Living Center, Covington, 893-8008. 2. Vintage glittered pine cone and pearl wreaths: 15”, $50; 19”, $125; 25”, $225. EMB Interiors, Mandeville, 626-1522. 3. Antique Venetian glass liquor decanter with six matching glasses, $365. Antiques and Décor, Mandeville, 635-2035. 4. Madonna by Alyson Hessburg, 9 ½” wide by 24” tall, $165. mélange by kp, Mandeville, 807-7652. 5. Wooden serving board with ceramic plate with slot for ornaments, $42.90. Ornaments starting at $6.95. Nonna Randazzo’s, Covington, 893-1488; Mandeville, 898-2444. 6. Antoine’s 175th Anniversary Celebration Book, a mix of Antoine’s recipes and history of America’s oldest family-run restaurant, $39. Antoine’s, New Orleans, 504-581-4422.
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1. 30� Governor Pool House Lantern available in antique copper or stainless, $450. Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights New Orleans, 504-522-9485, and Mandeville, 249-6040. 2. Ralph Brennan’s New Orleans Seafood Cookbook, a guide to New Orleans seafood cooking, $35. Autographed copies available. neworleans-food.com. 3. Oil on canvas portrait of Rita de Acosta Lydig by Giovanni Boldini, signed and dated, commissioned by Lydig in 1910 and later owned by prominent art collector Baron Maurice de Rothschild, $3,650,000. M.S. Rau Antiques, New 4
Orleans, 504-523-5660. 4. Swell bottles, starting at $26.99. Earthsavers, Mandeville, 674-1133. 5. Antica Farmacista Proseccoscented products for bath and home, starting at $14. The Linen Registry, Metairie, 504-831-8228. 6. Three-drawer wooden chest wrapped in German silver with patterned drawer fronts and end panels. American Factory Direct, Mandeville, 871-0300.
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1. Inspired by vintage jewelry motifs, the Aya bracelet by Loren Hope features sleek, Swarovski encrusted, floral buds tipped with pearl stamens on an antiqued gold finish, $198. Cameo Boutique, Mandeville, 231-1332. 2. Sienna slipper with faux-fur floral detail, easy to slipon. The Oasis Day Spa, Mandeville, 624-6772. 3. Shimmering brocade dress in teal and gold, $695. Elizabeth’s, Metairie, 504-833-3717. 4. Tom Mathis 14K yellow gold crescent and diamond fleur de lis, $750. Symmetry Jewelers and Designers, New Orleans, 504-861-9925. 5. Dazzling Dangles featuring 10.4 carats of brilliant white diamonds set in 18k white gold. Jack Sutton, New Orleans, 504-522-8080, jacksutton.com. 6. SHE +SKY sleeveless metallic dress, $44. The Lifestyle Store at Franco’s, Mandeville, 792-0020. Holiday Gift Guide 2016 33
The Giving Season
by Michael L. Williamson
FRIENDS AND FAMILY gathered together; a tasty home-cooked meal; wide-eyed children unwrapping gifts. ’Tis the season—and the way we’d all like to celebrate. But for thousands across Southeast Louisiana, the holidays are neither merry nor bright. They have no permanent shelter; they go to bed hungry; and they can’t afford presents. Take a moment to reflect on our good fortunes and remember those who are struggling. Thousands of residents are trying to recover from the historic flooding this year. Thousands more—42 percent of our Southeast Louisiana population—fight every day just to meet basic needs. Nineteen percent live in poverty. Twenty-three percent are ‘ALICE’—an acronym for asset limited, income constrained, employed. They are hard-working, tax-paying people who are just one emergency away from poverty. But you can help. No matter where you live in Louisiana, you can affect the life of someone next door, down the bayou or across the lake. You can invest in programs that will help neighbors of all ages. Programs that can help make Southeast Louisiana a safer, better place. We are now in what is often called the Giving Season for charities or nonprofit organizations. The closer we get to the year’s end, the more people feel encouraged to give, and frequently, to give more generously than at other times. While charitable giving is a cherished tradition, donors need to make sure their charity of choice is a recognized, well-run, stable, financially
accountable organization. Spend some time researching before you give. By finding out as much as you can about the charity, you can avoid fraudsters who try to take advantage of your generosity. Avoid any charity that: • Refuses to provide detailed information about its identity, mission, costs, and how the donation will be used. • Won’t provide proof that a contribution is tax deductible. • Uses a name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization. • Thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making. • Uses high-pressure tactics, such as trying to get you to donate immediately, without giving you time to think about it and do your research. • Asks for donations in cash or asks you to wire money. • Offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately. In Southeast Louisiana, we celebrate being part of a culture that unites to help those less fortunate. Whether you’re giving a monetary donation, advocating on behalf of issues you care about or volunteering your time, United Way and other respected nonprofits are grateful for the lives and communities you’re helping us change. Best wishes for a safe and joyous holiday season. Michael L. Williamson is President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Southeast Louisiana.