Franklin couple to be honored as philanthropy leaders

Staff Report

Dr. Thomas and Glenna Kramer of Franklin will be honored at Community Foundation of Acadiana’s third annual Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon.

Thomas Kramer worked as a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology before retiring in 1993. In addition to several medical organizations, he also is a member and past president of the St. Mary Chapter of the Louisiana Landmarks Society and an officer of the Rotary Club of Franklin. He served for 12 years on the Shadows on the Teche council, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Boy Scouts of America and in 1994 was the recipient of the Golden Service Award of the West St. Mary Chamber of Commerce. He received the Boy Scouts St. Mary Parish Citizen of the Year award in 2010.

Glenna Kramer holds a master’s degree from Tulane University and has been a lifetime advocate of historic preservation. The City of Franklin, the American Library Association, the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce, the St. Mary Landmarks Society and the Louisiana Preservation Alliance have recognized her for her dedication. She also is an accomplished author and has had several works published on her experiences as a public library trustee. Kramer has served as a board member for many of the organizations to which she gives her time and energy and is often asked to participate in events as a keynote speaker.

The Kramers have received several joint awards for their service to their local and state communities. They are active supporters of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Boy Scouts of America, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and the Louisiana Landmarks Society, among others.

Doors will open at 11 a.m. Nov. 15 with the program beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Cajundome Convention Center.

CFA will present a Leaders in Philanthropy Award to the philanthropists in each of the eight parishes in its service area. Other honorees are:

—Acadia Parish, Raymond and Catherine “Kitty” Hensgens.

—Evangeline Parish, Suzy Bulliard Lemoine.

—Iberia Parish, Jerry and Harriet Shea Sr.

—Lafayette Parish, Dwight “Bo” and Jerry Ramsay.

—St. Landry Parish, Keith and Ginger Myers.

—St. Martin Parish, Jane G. Bulliard and Patricia D. Resweber.

—Vermilion Parish, Jim and Charlotte Doyle.

Nominations for the Leaders In Philanthropy Awards were received from stakeholders to recognize an individual, couple or group who has made an impact in their community through philanthropy. Award recipients either reside or work in the parishes in which they are receiving the award.

Luncheon tickets and tables are open to the public and are now on sale. Tickets are $50 each and tables of eight are $495 and may be purchased by contacting Erin Winder at ewinder@cfacadiana.org or 337-769-4842.

Community Foundation of Acadiana is south Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organization benefiting the region, with a particular focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. 

The foundation’s core purpose is to connect all generous people to the causes they care about.