Promotion of Philanthropy

Philanthropy is the act of individual citizens contributing money or goods, along with their time and skills, to promote the well-being of others and betterment of the community.

The Family Foundation promotes philanthropic activities, primarily in Southwest Louisiana, and works to connect donors, philanthropic organizations, foundations and corporations to community priorities that will enhance the quality of family and community life for generations to come.

In addition to developing an endowment to sustain the programs of Family & Youth, the Family Foundation

  • promotes development of local philanthropy

  • assists nonprofits in developing their fund development programs

  • promotes accountable fund development practices

  • encourages public recognition of philanthropies and philanthropists in Southwest Louisiana.

The Family Foundation hosts the annual Philanthropy Day celebration, it is an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to honor the people who mean so much to them throughout the year. Download a nomination form. For more information call 337-436-9533.

Philanthropy Day

February 20, 2008 at L'Auberge du Lac.

2006 Philanthropists

Pictured left to right, Linda Wranosky, Jack Douilhet, Bob Chandler, Carol Collins, Julia Beatty of The Twenty First Century Foundation and Dr. Sherece West of the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation.

  • Bob Chandler, nominated by the United Way of Southwest Louisiana

  • Carol Collins, nominated by The Literacy Council

  • Jack Drouilhet, nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters

  • Linda Wranosky, nominated by Calcasieu Women's Shelter

2005 Philanthropists

  • Faye Barnhart, nominated by Calcasieu Women's Shelter

  • Frances Harless, nominated by Camp Fire USA

  • Evangeline Ordinario, nominated by Family & Youth

  • Shady Patton, nominated by United Way of Southwest Louisiana

  • Ted Shelton, nominated by American Red Cross

2004 Philanthropists

  • Kerin Morris, nominated by BeauCARE

  • Barbara Bankens, nominated by Family & Youth

  • Ada B. Vincent, nominated by The Children's Museum

  • William L. Henning, Sr., nominated by Boy Scouts of America, Cameron Council on Aging, Vincent Settlement School and Beauregard and Allen Parish Junior Livestock Associations

  • Billy Navarre, nominated by United Way of Southwest Louisiana

2003 Philanthropists

  • Poddy Champeaux, nominated by CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network

  • Richard Churchman, nominated by Greater Lake Charles Rotary Club

  • Karen Duhon, nominated by Southwest Chapter of the Autism Society of America

  • Julie Gani, nominated by Family & Youth

  • James Guillet, nominated by West Calcasieu-Cameron Hospital Therapeutic Riding Center

  • Jamie Johnson, nominated by Calcasieu Community Clinic

  • Maggie Kunzweiler, nominated by Calcasieu Women’s Shelter

  • Joe T. Miller, Sr., nominated by Foreman-Reynaud Community Center

  • Walt Sanchez, nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana

  • Tom Shearman, nominated by The Children’s Museum of Lake Charles

  • Dennis & Mary Thibodeaux, nominated by NAMI Southwest Louisiana

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