Conrads among philanthropists celebrated by Community Foundation of Acadiana

Community Foundation of Acadiana’s fourth-annual Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon was held Nov. 14 at the Cajundome Convention Center.
The event celebrated the following outstanding philanthropists from eight parishes across Acadiana who have made a positive impact in their communities: Bobby and Mollie Hanks, Acadia Parish; Gervis LaFleur, Evangeline Parish; Donald “Doc” Voorhies, Iberia Parish; Bob Lowe, Lafayette Parish; Dr. Joe H. Wilson, St. Landry Parish; Virginia Olivier Yongue, St. Martin Parish; Johnny and Mary Lou Conrad, St. Mary Parish; and Mary Ellen Sonnier, Vermilion Parish.
This year, an inaugural Corporate Award was also presented to Stone Energy, a local company with a history of supporting many great causes in the community. Videos about each nominee were shown at the luncheon. The event also featured keynote speaker Stephen Post, founder of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Post shared the links scientists have uncovered between giving and happiness, focusing on the impact on overall well-being that comes from caring for others.
Nominations for the Leaders In Philanthropy Awards were submitted by the public and winners were selected by CFA’s Board of Directors Emeriti. “We are very proud to showcase the generous spirit of Acadiana by recognizing these outstanding citizens from each parish,” said Raymond J. Hébert, CFA president and CEO. “They are an inspiration and a reminder of the difference we can all make when we give back to our communities.”
The Community Foundation of Acadiana is now accepting nominations from the community for the 2015 Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. Visit www.cfacadiana.org/2015LIPNominations to submit your Leaders In Philanthropy Award nomination for your parish. Contact Erin Winder with questions at ewinder@cfacadiana.org or 337-769-4842.
The 2014 Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon was sponsored by CFA’s Platinum and Gold Ambassadors. Platinum Ambassadors include Acadian Total Security, a division of Acadian Company; and Superior Energy Services. Gold Ambassadors include America’s Pizza Company, a franchisee of Pizza Hut; Billeaud Companies; Alan and Shelley Breaud; Broussard & David LLC; Channel One Digital; Dore Family Foundation; Cox Communications; Fab-Con Inc.; FENSTERMAKER; Greenscape Grounds Management; Lafayette General Health; Lee Michaels; LHC Group Inc.; Mello Joy Coffee; MidSouth Bank; the Moody Company; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred S. Lippman; Rader Solutions; The Regional Health System of Acadiana; Mike and Cheryl Robicheaux; John and Kathy Rongey, Louisiana Scrap Metal; Stewart and Becky Shea; Spherion Staffing Service; Sunland Construction Inc.; Taco Bell/Brenda and Greg Hamer; White Mountain Buffalo Fund; and Whitney Bank.
Ambassadors give annually to the foundation and receive benefits such as sponsorship of the Leaders In Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. Contact Hébert to learn more at 337-769-4848.
Community Foundation of Acadiana is south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organization benefiting our region, with a particular focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. CFA’s core purpose is to connect all generous people to the causes they care about. In 2013, Community Foundation of Acadiana was recognized, for the second year, among the Top 100 community foundations in the country as No. 3 Most Active Grantmaker, No. 72 Most Gifts per Capita, and No. 74 Most Activity. Additional milestones include over $135 million in cumulative gifts. Learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.