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GIVING BACK In Southeast Louisiana we’re all about relationships. Here, there’s nothing better than spending time with friends, family and colleagues — that is, unless it’s time spent also doing something to help people we’ve never even met, and maybe never will. In this issue of Biz New Orleans, we’d like to celebrate all the corporations whose company mission goes far beyond keeping their financials in the black, along with a few of the many nonprofits they partner with to get the job done — whether that job be fighting crime or fighting cancer, running a race or running an afterschool program. An integral part of their surrounding communities, these businesses and organizations have dedicated themselves to giving back to those in need, while encouraging others, especially their own employees, to experience first-hand how stepping away from their desks for a while to play a personal roll in the effort to make life a little better for those around them can have a profound impact on their own lives as well. We at Biz New Orleans salute you for your efforts. Keep up the good work!
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giving back nonprofit profile
benjamin franklin elementary 504.304.3932 | babyben.org 6101 Chatham Drive, New Orleans
about Benjamin Franklin ascribes to a vision they have dubbed the Legacy of Excellence—a vision that lays out their goal to become a national model for non-selective admission schools that excel in providing students with diverse needs the elite educational programming and experiences to guarantee success in life. In addition to their accelerated school curriculum, Franklin provides an exceptional program for the arts in vocal and instrumental music, theatre and visual arts. The school also serves special needs students, providing them skills, resources and development to build fulfilling lives. The school’s offerings are grounded in data-driven inquiry, reflective teaching and impactful learning that allows students to take their classroom ideas out into the world.
events Schools depend heavily on outside donations to continue serving all of their students. Benjamin Franklin’s mission of growing experts inside and outside of the classroom is, at least in part, dependent on and helped by donations, both from community members and from larger sponsors. As this is their first year as a nonprofit charter school, Franklin is currently planning events and fundraisers for the next school year; more information will be available on their website as fundraisers and events are confirmed.
donations The school acts as both donor and nonprofit: their school community as a whole participates widely in a variety of service projects, and as they embark on their first year as a nonprofit single charter school, they have been actively seeking out donation opportunities. Their student philanthropists lead recycling, anti-bullying, environmental and generational campaigns. Franklin is hoping to use donor money to build technology and special project resources to help advance those students further; they’re also planning to use donations to provide uniforms to homeless students or to students who can’t afford spare uniforms. Larger sponsored donations would provide much-needed capital project money dedicated to projects including unifying the two campuses, expanding opportunities for more children to participate in the arts, providing after- and before-school tutoring services and sponsorship of after-school activities.
mission Benjamin Franklin’s mission is for staff, students and families to excel academically and individually. Their school creed implores the students to “be kind and considerate; respect people and property; follow directions the first time; and do [the] very best quality of work.” bizneworleans.com / 59
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friends of bayou st. john info@bayoustjohn.org 3205 Orleans Avenue, New Orleans
about Friends of Bayou St. John is probably most well-known among New Orleans residents for their chief fundraising and outreach initiative: the MidCity Bayou Boogaloo. The event, a community party filled with music, food, crafts and art all along Bayou St. John, was established in 2006 to reinvigorate the neighborhood post-Katrina. In its 14th year, the festival has enabled Friends of Bayou St. John to build community and create opportunities for all residents to celebrate the heritage, culture, and diversity of New Orleans. They are the only organization focused solely on the well-being and prosperity of the bayou, as well as the quality of life for the residents surrounding it. Through their fundraising, attention and community partners, the nonprofit has taken responsibility for making the bayou a resource and asset for the city.
events The Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo is the organization’s cornerstone event, providing a crucial outreach tool—and while the festival lasts only three days, its impact stretches year-round. Since its early years, when it was a one-day, one-stage event, the festival has grown into a three-day, four stage festival that draws 35,000 people from around the city and region. They offer music from all of New Orleans’ musical backgrounds, from blues and jazz to zydeco and Cajun to funk, hip hop and rock. A kids’ stage has helped make it a family event, while the Boogaloo Art Market brings together original works of art that span genres from 60 of Louisiana’s most celebrated artisans. The food is also worth stopping for; 30 Louisiana food and beverage vendors serve up a bounty of original treats and traditional New Orleans cuisine. Those looking to volunteer at the festival or to help clean up the banks and bayou can find out more at thebayouboogaloo.com; others who are inspired to help out yearround can become a member of Friends of Bayou St. John at bayoustjohn.org/membership.
donations The nonprofit’s fundraising is spread to a diverse range of causes, including economic development and support for local musicians, small business owners and artists through Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo as well as community improvements, such as sponsoring solar-powered garbage units on the Lafitte Greenway or requesting permission from the City to install wroughtiron trashcans along the bayou. Their Restore the Bayou Canopy Campaign planted five 200-gallon, one 300-gallon and two titanic 750-gallon Southern live oaks along the bayou and maintains the trees throughout the year. Each year after the festival FOBSJ donates on average $25,000 directly to other nonprofits, chosen in advance to be that year’s official Community Partners. Past Community Partners include Friends of Lafitte Greenway, Sustaining our Urban Landscape (SOUL) and Odyssey House Louisiana, among many more.
mission Friends of Bayou St. John is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes stewardship, cultural appreciation, responsible recreation and initiatives that support a clean, healthy Bayou St. John that is accessible to all. bizneworleans.com / 60
giving back nonprofit profile
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greater new orleans foundation
giving back nonprofit profile
504.598.4663 | gnof.org 919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans
about The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) has spent the past nine decades as a trusted philanthropic leader for the thirteen-parish region. Their work runs the gamut from grant-making to strategy planning, helping to connect people, resources and ideas that result in solutions that address the region’s greatest challenges. GNOF made major donations after natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; created the Community Revitalization Fund, which has helped develop nearly 9,500 housing units; and created additional funds, such as the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund in 2010, which helped those affected by the worst oil spill in history get back on their feet. Their work helps to improve individual lives, communities and the entire region every day.
events The Greater New Orleans Foundation has created GiveNOLA Day, a one-day online giving event meant to inspire people to give to nonprofit organizations focused on improving their region and communities. Last year’s event raised $5.6 million from nearly 49,000 donations. Those who wish to participate in this year’s GiveNOLA Day can take part on May 7—more information can be found at givenola.org. Another of the myriad ways GNOF gives back is through Impact 100, a women’s giving circle of 100 local women committed to awarding a $100,000 transformative grant per year that can be groundbreaking for a local nonprofit.
donations The foundation’s roots lie in the Community Chest of New Orleans, a 1923 organization founded to address and solve the needs and problems of a growing city. GNOF carries on that mission today for the entire region, and every donation makes their work further-reaching. The organization has embraced donors of all shapes and sizes, from more outward-facing events like GiveNOLA to quieter actions like estate planning. Fundholders can use the organization to set up funds that connect donors to their passions. The New Orleans Town Gardeners Legacy has funded projects through GNOF for many projects that range from rebuilding gardens to the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans to founding conservation scholarships. GNOF also connects advisors to clients, helping craft giving strategies that meet the truest needs of the communities they seek to serve.
mission For over 90 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has been connecting generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, they work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership and action in their thirteen parish region.
GiveNOLA Day, an initiative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, is a one-day online giving event.
Anne Milling, Betsy Nalty, Caroline Reily, and Sybil Favrot. An anonymous donor offered them a $500,000 match for every dollar raised. They accepted the challenge and went after it.
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Jerry Riggs, Head of Schools (left), Karla McKnight, Administrative Assistant (center), Dan Pritchett, Senior Pastor (right)
memorial baptist 504.887.0533 | mbsmetairie.org 5701 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie
about Memorial Baptist is a unique Christian private school located in the heart of Metairie. The school, which has grown exponentially over the past five years, currently serves 340 students by providing them with a personalized, tailored education grounded in faith, personal interaction and student investment. Test scores, which are, on average 2 grade levels above the national average, are kept high thanks to their certified teachers and advanced curriculum, which is supplemented by forward-thinking technology coupled with old-fashioned personal attention. Their tuition is kept affordable to allow students from all backgrounds access to high-quality education to further their prospects and make their futures bright.
events The school’s draw on philanthropic endeavors has been lighter than others in the past; they currently have no philanthropic fundraisers or events scheduled, instead focusing on specific projects that might require larger sponsorship. One such focus is on securing funding for their outdoor basketball court, so that even in rainy weather the students will still be able to get outside and stay active. The school is working towards these larger improvements so they can continue to focus on the small, day to day features that make the school a unique, almost boutique experience—the principal knows every student by name; parents stop in for their first morning coffee at the coffee station; and individualism is encouraged. Individual donors or corporate sponsors can rest assured that any donation they make is going to improve the day to day lives of the students the school serves. bizneworleans.com / 62
donations The money the school has garnered through donations over the past five years has primarily gone to improving the technological offerings the school provides to students. One specific development has been the acquisition of personal laptops for middle schoolers (fifth to seventh graders) to use for the entire year. While many schools charge a “technology fee” for laptop use, at Memorial Baptist, thanks to philanthropy, the laptops are free of charge for the year, allowing all students to have the same technological access regardless of the ability to pay.
mission Memorial Baptist’s mission is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive academic program in a loving Christian environment. They guide their students educationally and spiritually to grow into adults who will contribute a positive influence to the world. Mr. Riggs, the school’s principal, offers his own mission statement, drawn from scripture: King David, in the Old Testament said, “Joy comes in the morning. You just have to slow down long enough to find that joy. That’s what we desire for all of our students at Memorial.”
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new orleans area habitat for humanity
giving back nonprofit profile
504.861.2077 | habitat-nola.org 2900 Elysian Fields Avenue, New Orleans Social Media: @habitatnola
about New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is often thought of as a recovery organization, but for over 35 years, they have changed lives one home at a time, building houses and communities. Habitat provides zero percent interest loans, made possible by donations of time and money, for hard-working families. An independent local affiliate of an international nonprofit, Habitat has built over 600 homes in partnership with local families since 1983. By helping families achieve affordable, reliable homeownership, Habitat has improved the lives of employees, customers and families of businesses across the area.
events Habitat is best known for their build days, which can be arranged for companies or organizations as a day of philanthropy and team-building. They also provide employee outreach, in which they visit local companies by request and explain their affordable home ownership program. Another avenue for philanthropy is the ReStore, a retail outlet that sells donated materials like furniture, appliances and building materials. Habitat operates two stores: one at 2900 Elysian Fields and one at 2425 Williams Boulevard. Their three largest event builds are the Women Build, comprised of local women; the Unity Build, an interfaith building project; and the Bench and Bar Build, which recruits the legal community for a one-day build. Donors who don’t necessarily want to swing a hammer can also run for Habitat in the Crescent City Classic.
donations A gift of money, time or materials to New Orleans Habitat ripples out to impact the entire community. Every gift helps fund the construction of new homes and the empowerment of local families. By reducing the cost of shelter, capital is freed up for families to use in other ways, such as transportation, food, savings, education and healthcare. This brings them greater financial stability and makes them more likely to thrive. Through their gift, donors make New Orleans neighborhoods stronger and more stable.
mission Habitat’s mission is to build homes in partnership with sponsors, volunteers, communities and homeowner families, whereby families are empowered to transform their own lives; and to eliminate substandard housing in the New Orleans area while serving as a catalyst to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
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giving back nonprofit profile
Second harvest Food Bank 504.734.1322 | no-hunger.org 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans
about Second Harvest’s mission is to serve as many families in need as possible, through community partners across South Louisiana. The organization, which employs 80 full-time staffers and works with nearly 10,000 yearly volunteers, has a large scope of operations: they provide the equivalent of more than 32 million meals per year to over 210,000 people. Aside from their more well-known programs with food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and schools, the organization also serves as a major disaster responder. Since 1982, Second Harvest has responded to every major disaster that has struck South Louisiana, from hurricanes and flooding to tornadoes and environmental cataclysms.
events On June 1, Second Harvest will host their annual Rubber Duck Derby in City Park. This event, a favorite among families in the city, features “adoptable” rubber ducks that go on a race to the finish line. Families or individuals can adopt their own rubber duck racer for just $5 each. The event, which is Second Harvest’s largest single-day fundraiser of the year, is one of many events that allow the public to come together and donate to the cause. Other events to be on the lookout for include GiveNola Day, iGiveCatholic Day and special events throughout the year featuring local celebrity chefs. bizneworleans.com / 64
donations Second Harvest’s relationship to philanthropy is more akin to a lifeline: 75 percent of the organization’s operation budget comes from private philanthropic donations, from smaller monthly donations from individuals helping out all the way to major support from corporate sponsors and foundation partners. But Second Harvest also draws on a second source of philanthropic support: major donations of food and of time. The group relies on all three types of donations to keep their doors open and to fulfill their mission of feeding the hungry across South Louisiana.
mission Second Harvest Food Bank leads the fight against hunger in South Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education and disaster response. Second Harvest provides food and support to 700+ community partners and programs across 23 parishes. They are an affiliate ministry of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and a member of Feeding America and United Way.
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giving back nonprofit profile
xavier university of louisiana our events 504.520.7575 | xula.edu 1 Drexel Dr., New Orleans
who we are Being America’s only historically Black and Catholic University is just the first of the distinctions that have set Xavier University of Louisiana apart for over nine decades. As Xavier enters its second century of service, we remain rooted in our faith, passionately pursuing our mission in our unique role as the only Black, Catholic institution in the nation, with a special concern for diversity and inclusion; creating a more just and humane world, and a more sustainable world; and continuing to strengthen our academic performance and success. We are inspired by our foundress, St. Katherine Drexel and her vision, ability, and commitment to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of her times. Xavier continues to be guided by its Foundress’ vision and remains rooted in its mission to be a globally recognized University that celebrates diversity, fosters an intellectual environment of academic excellence, and educates future leaders who will build a just and humane society. Despite Xavier’s relatively small size of 3,300 students, we continue to be the nationally recognized leader in the STEM and the health sciences, producing more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is among the top producers of African American pharmacists. Our liberal arts-based programs in business, education, psychology, and political science – as well as such recent additions as our newly announced Physician Assistant program in partnership with Ochsner Health Systems, bioinformatics, data science, neuroscience, crime and social justice, and jazz studies – offer students an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities, and experiential education. The winning Xavier formula? Provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls.
Supporting Xavier University of Louisiana is one of the best investments you can make. The impact of your giving goes beyond the borders of the campus, into the local community and out into the world. The 7th annual Give. Love. Xavier Day is Tuesday, April 2nd. The all-day, online fundraising event is dedicated to the annual fund and helps Xavier University of Louisiana to continue our legacy of educating deserving students. Our goal is to have at least 3,500 donors contribute a minimum of $20 for Give.Love.Xavier Day. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana visit us online at giving.xula.edu, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 504-520-7575, or follow us on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter @XULA1925. Make a recurring gift by visiting the Xavier University site giving.xula.edu/ When you make a gift, post about it on your social networks like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to encourage your friends to give. Join in the conversations about Give Love Xavier Day and spread your love with the hashtag #GLXU19!
Our mission Xavier University of Louisiana, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, is Catholic and historically Black. The ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service. bizneworleans.com / 65
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Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr.
honor and joy to recognize these remarkable heroes.
985.872.2413 | cenac.com 742 Highway 182, Houma
”
benny cenac, owner
about
on the wounded war heroes organization
Jock Cenac founded Cenac Marine Services more than eight decades ago to advance opportunities and wellbeing through the marine industry. 88 years later, the company has passed from Jock to his son Arlen and now to his grandson, Arlen “Benny” Cenac, Jr. who has continued to run the company in the spirit his grandfather intended: focused on employee satisfaction and company morale. The Cenac family has long embraced giving and philanthropy in their company and with their employees; they pride themselves on the safety, education and satisfaction of their workers, and through philanthropy they ensure that their current and future workers will continue to reap the benefits of working with Cenac Marine Services. Benny Cenac has ensured that the company functions as a family by fostering strong ties with their employees, which in turn allows the employees to provide the highest level of professionalism, loyalty and dedication to the company and to the customer.
of our guiding principles is service. Service “One not just for our customers and partners, but
service for South Louisiana – where the majority of our employees live and work. benny cenac, owner
66 / Biz New Orleans / april 2019
look forward to this sponsorship “Iopportunity each year. It is such an
”
why they give Cenac Marine Services gives back because the Cenac family gives back. For the last 88 years, Cenac has been committed to employee satisfaction and company morale—and the company understands that the happiness and satisfaction of its employees is inextricably linked to the happiness and success of the greater community around them. For the company, advancing the wellbeing of their employees is tied to advancing the wellbeing of Houma’s community, Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast region. To that end, Cenac makes sure to invest in both their current and their future employees. Cenac’s dedication to providing a safe and happy work environment (a dedication that recently won the Louisiana’s Workers Compensation Corporations’ Safest 70 award) is involved in their decision to pay it forward. One of the company’s main philanthropic focuses is providing increased opportunities for advanced education, particularly in the marine education field. Through their donations to various institutions, Cenac has ensured that the marine towing industry has and will continue to have a steady stream of top-tier professionals for years to come.
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methods Cenac believes in fully-rounded philanthropy. Benny Cenac is a dedicated philanthropist who gives time and attention to all sorts of causes, from educational to environmental to health and well-being. Benny Cenac has led the drive for sustainable and local food through local community garden donations, and has grown the region’s culinary program through donations to Nicholls State. The company also donated a fully-refurbished updated barge to Southern Louisiana Community College’s Maritime Training program, which will allow the program’s students to experience the highest quality of education and situational training. Benny has also made it a point to give back to veterans through their partnership with the Wounded War Heroes Organization and the Houma Oilman’s Fishing Invitational. Since 2013, Cenac has provided accommodations for veterans at the fishing invitational to allow the veterans an all-expenses paid weekend dedicated to fun and camaraderie, including delicious meals and fishing. Cenac also devotes time and resources to South Louisiana Community College, Terrebonne Parish Foundation for Academic Excellence, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, Louisiana Wildlife Federation and Terrebonne Parish. Cenac’s rounded approach to philanthropy helps contribute to a stronger and greater community, which helps to improve the state and nation as a whole.
training and education is a key component “Maritime to the area and the industry. Cenac’s partnership with SLCC yields tanker operations and simulator training for all wheelhouse members, while at the same time, gives hands on experiences to others that would otherwise not made available to the public. benny cenac, owner
”
mission For over 88 years, Cenac Marine Services has been known throughout the towing industry for its excellence in customer service, highlighted by an impeccable safety record and an unwavering commitment to strict maintenance and operational standards built upon a foundation of experience dating back to the 1920s. Today, Cenac Marine Services continues its pioneering way in the marine industry. Additionally, Main Iron Works specializes in the construction, repair and repowering of marine vessels and barges. Since its conception in 1947, Main Iron works has proudly built and refurbished push boats and offshore tug boats. Those interested in learning more about Benny Cenac and his philanthropy can follow his Twitter, @arlenbennycenac.
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gallo mechanical 504.944.6736 | gallomechanical.com 4141 Bienville Street, Suite 100, New Orleans
about Gallo Mechanical LLC is built on a bedrock foundation of dedication to family, service and performance. The company, a 75-year locally-grown family operation, is deeply invested in finding the best way to both serve and grow the community in which they live and work. As they have grown over the last seven and a half decades, Gallo Mechanical has sought to ensure that their focus remains in reinvesting in their community through both the work they carry out and the opportunities that they provide.
order to serve our clients, we need talented, “Inwell-trained employees. One of our top priorities is to invest in local programs which will help to develop our future workforce – we want to provide careers (not just jobs) for our current and future employees.
”
JP Hymel, President, Gallo Mechanical
68 / Biz New Orleans / april 2019
Gallo Mechanical we know that “Atmaking an impact in our community
through workforce development is possible with meaningful partnerships. Maria Pote, Director of Special Projects, Gallo Mechanical.
why they give While Gallo understands the importance of traditional philanthropic giving, they felt the need to do more. The company has moved to partner with civic and local groups to create and foster opportunities for growth, stability and prosperity in their community, particularly among disconnected young New Orleanians. They have also engaged with programs which foster support for their employees during life’s hurdles, from navigating custody disputes or helping find the right medical provider. Gallo’s investment in education and trade-based employment provides a scalable market solution for disconnected youth in the community. The company has become and will continue to be a part of the solution for today’s workforce challenges by providing opportunities for young adults to achieve sustainable long-term employment and through that, financial prosperity.
”
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giving back company profile
Earn and Learn — Tulane Cowen Institute
methods In the spirit of their company’s mission, Gallo has created a partnership with Earn and Learn, a career pathways program that reconnects opportunity youth to higher-growth career pathways. Gallo will work with Earn and Learn, which was created by the Tulane Cowen Institute, to provide five candidates with paid apprenticeships. These candidates will apprentice with Gallo as Helpers, registering with the Plumbers and Steamfitters’ Local Union No. 60 to receive education and training in skilled trades. In addition to that education and paid position, the candidates will receive medical insurance benefits, additional soft and technical skills training, life coaching and wrap-around skills (including financial and medical aid and support). Gallo aims to work with their partners to promote trained workers with connections and a pathway to long-term success in both work and life. Gallo is also partnering with NOLABA/GNOF and making use of their field-based navigator program. This program helps to empower employees to take on challenges that arise in their daily lives such as obtaining access to medical resources, navigating financial challenges and even finding access to legal aid for custody and familial support. Gallo’s own fieldbased navigator, Powell Digangi, is a trained social worker employed by GNOF. Digangi acts as a bridge for Gallo’s employees, connecting them to resources and support that they might not otherwise be able to reach. This bridged support allows Gallo’s employees to better grow and improve their lives, reaffirming Gallo Mechanical’s commitment to transformational change through support and workforce development. Gallo will continue to partner with community-based nonprofits to give back to their community—both through traditional philanthropy and through the new, innovative route of fostering personal and professional growth and improvement within their company and beyond.
with Gallo Mechanical to design “Working this program has been a pleasure. JP, Maria, and the rest of the Gallo team are motivated to attract the top talent New Orleans has to offer while also providing unmatched career opportunities for young adults.
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Amy Barad, Deputy Director, Cowen Institute
companies like Gallo “When Mechanical act on the call for
transformational change in New Orleans, it demonstrates that the city is moving in the right direction to improve the business climate and bring everyone to the economic table for prosperity. Gallo is taking affirmative steps to ensure that its people, the company’s most critical asset, have resources and services to enable them to be their most productive.
”
Quentin L. Messer, Jr., President and CEO, New Orleans Business Alliance
mission Gallo Mechanical is a top-tier mechanical construction and service provider headquartered in New Orleans. Performance the right way is their only agenda. They aim to be the mechanical contractor of choice throughout the Gulf South region. To accomplish this aim, they’ve doubled down on their dedication to strong, consistent and excellent performance on their jobs while investing in their staff and their community. bizneworleans.com / 69
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giving back company profile
Cox employees spent an afternoon helping the Second Harvest Food Bank repack pallets of food for distribution across the state. The group worked together like a well-oiled machine while keeping the mood light and fun, and enjoying the comradery.
cox communications 504.304.8444 | cox.com
Cox and Manheim New Orleans teamed up to help the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation and Ocean Conservancy clean up the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. Employees, along with family and friends, picked up 334 pounds of trash.
about
methods
Cox believes life gets better when there are more moments of real, human connection. Cox and its employees live and work toward a company-wide mission: connecting their customers to the people and things they care about the most. Their knowledgeable and down-to-earth employees are there to support their customers and are genuinely eager to help; be it through technology or philanthropy—or both.
Cox gives back to the community through donations of both time and money. Most recently, the Cox Charities Program offered five grants to local New Orleans nonprofits to support programs and projects intended to improve our community. Grant recipients were Angels’ Place, Grace at the Green Light, Luke’s House, Odyssey House Louisiana Inc. and Murphy Education & Sports Foundation. Grant applications were read and processed by local employees to determine how the dollars would best impact positive change in the communities they serve. The grants were funded via the generosity of Cox employees, who gave from their own paychecks to support these community organizations. Cox also provides support to local schools through Innovation in Education grants, five of which were presented to local schools for the 2019-2020 school year to support programs such as a sensory area, a reading corner and scholarships promoting STEM careers.
why they give Nonprofit organizations help foster growth and strength in their communities, and Cox has a long history of community involvement. With its philanthropy efforts focused on youth and education, diversity, and environmental issues, Cox understands the importance of serving the communities in which they live and work. They encourage their employees to take part in volunteer work, whether packing food boxes or cleaning up beaches. Cox employees have held clothing and diaper drives for Covenant House, Odyssey House and the Junior League; they have donated 30 coats for kids in need at the High-Level Speech and Hearing Center; and they have refreshed the technology center at the Boys & Girls NFL YET Club to allow young people to bridge the digital divide. bizneworleans.com / 70
mission Cox’s mission is to connect our customers to the people and things they care about most.
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Our employees on the Northshore granted $2,000 through the Home Bank Helps Giving Fund to Madisonville Junior High School for their “Shoveling for Seniors” project. Madisonville City Park will receive updates and help from the students at the junior high. Thus far, the students have planted 50 azalea bushes, three oak trees and are putting new benches out for seniors to enjoy when visiting the park.
giving back company profile
home bank 866.401.9440 | Home24Bank.com Facebook: HomeBankHelps Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender Our Magazine Street branch staff shows off coats donated during our annual Coats for Kids drive.
about For over 110 years, Home Bank has been committed to serving the community—both as a community bank and through their philanthropy. The full-service bank, which offers deposit and lending solutions tailor-made for families and businesses, deeply believes in community investment and its potential to change and enrich individuals, communities and regions for the better. The local nature of their business helps them provide insight, help and assurance for any customer who walks through the doors of any of their 39 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi – 12 in the Greater New Orleans area. Home Bank puts customers first with all the latest banking technologies, and the reassurance that a local banker is right there when needed.
why they give Home Bank approaches philanthropy as a part of their culture. Giving back is a core value in their company. Employees are passionate in developing solutions to the challenges in their community. As a result, they become better citizens, leaders, spouses, parents and friends. For Home Bank, philanthropy creates an energy and positive spirit that helps build community and provides a deeper, more meaningful connection in all that they do.
method Home Bank gives back financially, and is proud of their employees’ service to many causes. Home Bank staff across the Louisiana and Mississippi regions have helped in a myriad of ways, from stuffing school buses with supplies to helping those in need by hosting donation drives in their branches. Home Bank employees teach financial literacy to both students and adults, and have even created a Home Bank Helps employee-driven grant program, in which employees donate their own dollars to invest in local nonprofits.
Service Philosophy To serve the community with their time and talents – because together we are stronger.
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giving back company profile
RYCARS partners with Son of a Saint for an annual lunch and learn day.
RYCARS Construction, LLC 504.305.5309 | rycars.com 503 Coleman Place, Kenner
about As a commercial roofing company with over 75 years of collective roofing experience, RYCARS knows that a roof is a building’s first line of defense against all types of weather. To that end, they have mastered innovative roofing solutions that ensure long-lasting structural success for clients. The RYCARS team is comprised of highly qualified and extensively trained professionals who have experience with all roofing systems and manufacturers. The company offers safe, professional and reliable commercial roofing and construction experiences for clients while building a durable, well-insulated roof that provides the protection clients seek.
why they give The RYCARS family values both the community it is in and the communities it serves. Since its founding, the company has prioritized philanthropy, giving back and serving the communities that support its work whenever possible. From providing monetary backing for local nonprofits to working directly to provide job opportunities to people within Greater New Orleans, RYCARS aims to build and strengthen the community to the benefit of all. The RYCARS team is particularly passionate about and proud of its work with ex-offenders, which has contributed to the area’s decreasing recidivism rate. bizneworleans.com / 72
Ryan E. Burks, President, explains roof details to Son of a Saint mentees.
method With an emphasis on monetary contributions and volunteer practices, RYCARS and its employees have worked with and supported several organizations in the New Orleans and Atlanta areas, including Son of a Saint, BRAVO, Orchid Society, Second Harvest Food Bank, Ozanam Inn, Meals on Wheels and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The company sponsors quarterly volunteer days with local market nonprofits and charitable organizations to encourage their workers and families to stay active in growing their local communities.
mission RYCARS aims to provide innovative, professional and reliable roofing solutions and construction services while maintaining a deep-rooted focus on safety and quality.
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the old No. 77 Hotel & chandlery
giving back company profile
504.527.5271 | old77hotel.com 535 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans
about The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, an award-winning acclaimed hotel that draws its name from its historic warehouse building’s old address, prides itself on being known as a hotel grounded in its community. The staff come from all walks of life—some were born and raised New Orleans natives, others are newcomers who have chosen to make a life here; some are new to hospitality, while others are practiced hands. The hotel has intentionally chosen a staff with diverse experiences and strengths to create real, vibrant accessibility to anyone who wants to truly experience the whole city of New Orleans, from art and history to food and culture.
why they give The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery and Provenance Hotels believe that a hotel experience is made up of more than the qualities of a building; a hotel experience begins and ends with the contributions made by people. This focus on the importance and authenticity of human interaction has led Provenance and The Old No. 77 to a real understanding of the importance of philanthropy and community building for the hotel industry. The Old. No 77 in particular has always been motivated to support its community. Their newest wave of philanthropy was born from their enjoyment of the Tricentennial celebrations—the hotel wants to see New Orleans and the region continue to grow and thrive for the next 300 years while preserving its culture and way of life.
method This year, the hotel is partnering with Restore the Mississippi River Delta, a coalition organization serving the Environmental Defense Fund, National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation. The project is dedicated to fostering and advancing solutions to reverse the delta’s collapse. The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery’s partnership with Restore the Mississippi River Delta works as a guest promotion: guests can book their rooms through the promotion “300 More,” which promotes 300 more years of a thriving New Orleans. Through that promotion, 5 percent of the room rate goes to the coalition to support the delta’s revitalization.
mission The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery and Provenance Hotels don’t have a mission statement, but instead a Manifesto, in which they promise that their hotels and their experiences are rooted first and foremost in the experiences of the hotel staff and its guests. They are dedicated to creating an experience, not just providing a hotel stay. bizneworleans.com / 73