Tri-Parish residents among philanthropists honored by Community Foundation of Acadiana

Community Foundation of Acadiana’s 2016 Leaders in Philanthropy Awards recipients pose for a photo with their awards at the annual Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. Back row, from left, are Roy Poché, St. Martin Parish award recipient; Phil Haney, Iberia Parish award recipient; Alex Voorhies with Chevron – Gulf of Mexico Business Unit, corporate award recipient; Dr. Alan M. Hoberman, St. Mary Parish award recipient; James Devin Moncus, Lafayette Parish award recipient; Richard E. Zuschlag with Acadian Companies, corporate award recipient. Front row, from left, are Catherine Poché, St. Martin Parish award recipient; Reneé Haney, Iberia Parish award recipient; Peggy Gielen, Acadia Parish award recipient; John Daniel Gielen, III, Acadia Parish award recipient; N. R. Broussard, Vermilion Parish award recipient; Ruth Moncus, Lafayette Parish award recipient; Anita M. Fontenot, Evangeline Parish award recipient; Sue Soileau Brignac, St. Landry Parish award recipient. Not pictured is Dr. Mildred S. Christian (1942 – 2009), St. Mary Parish award recipient. (Submitted Photo)
Tri-Parish residents among philanthropists
honored by Community Foundation of AcadianaLAFAYETTE — Community Foundation of Acadiana’s sixth annual Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon was held on Nov. 11 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:
— Acadia Parish – Peggy & John Daniel Gielen, III.
— Evangeline Parish – Anita M. Fontenot.
— Iberia Parish – Phil & Reneé Haney.
— Lafayette Parish – James Devin & Ruth Moncus.
— St. Landry Parish – Sue Soileau Brignac.
— St. Martin Parish – Roy & Catherine Poché.
— St. Mary Parish – Dr. Alan M. Hoberman and Dr. Mildred S. Christian (1942-2009).
— Vermilion Parish – N. R. Broussard.
CFA presented corporate awards to Acadian Companies and Chevron – Gulf of Mexico Business Unit for their outstanding philanthropy in Acadiana. These Acadiana companies have a long history of supporting many great causes in the community. Short videos detailing the philanthropic nature of each awardee were shown at the luncheon.
Nominations for all awards were submitted by the community and CFA’s past board of directors made final selections.
“These philanthropists and philanthropic corporations are not seeking this recognition, and we sincerely thank them for allowing us to honor them,” said Raymond J. Hébert, president and CEO of CFA. “Their stories and the examples of their generosity are inspiring and serve as a reminder of the difference we can all make in our communities.”
The event featured Ralph de la Vega, vice chairman of AT&T Inc. and CEO of Business Solutions and International, as the keynote speaker. De la Vega, who is also a motivational speaker, philanthropist and author, shared his thoughts on leadership and community involvement. He left the audience with this positive message, “Do not let anyone talk you out of your dreams, and don’t let anyone talk your children out of their dreams.”
He is the author of the best-selling book “Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life”, in which he shares his leadership style and the personal experiences that helped him forge it.
CFA is now accepting nominations from the community for the 2017 Leaders in Philanthropy Awards. Please visit www.cfacadiana.org/2017LIPNominations to submit a nomination for your parish. Contact Erin Winder, communications and development director with questions at 337-769-4842.
Community Foundation of Acadiana’s (core purpose is to connect all generous people to the causes they care about. CFA 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 has realized cumulative gifts exceeding $176 million and has made cumulative grants of $89 million. Learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.