Blanco to keynote United Way Women With Heart luncheon

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, the first woman to serve as governor of Louisiana, will be the keynote speaker for the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council’s second annual Women With Heart Luncheon and Awards event on February 14.
This event will take place at the Opelousas Civic Center from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., recognizing women leaders who have distinguished themselves as caring, compassionate philanthropists and community volunteers. A Power of the Purse auction will also be a highlight of the event.
“We wanted to choose a speaker who demonstrated the promise, possibilities and the power women possess when they choose to lead and advocate for the issues most important to a healthy community,” stated Ginger LeCompte, Executive Director of the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way.
“The Women’s Leadership Council was unanimous in selecting Governor Blanco, not just because of her accomplishments as an elected official, but most importantly for her spirit and inspiration she provides as a woman,” said Josie Frank, president of the Women’s Leadership Council.
LeCompte added, “Regardless of your political persuasion, no one can deny that she is a woman of drive and determination – an inspiration to all women, young and old.”
Governor Blanco was elected to four different offices during her 24 years in public service, never being defeated. As lieutenant governor twice, she built the state’s tourism business into a nine-billion-dollar industry. Through the Main Street Program, she worked with towns across the state, including Opelousas and Eunice, to help revitalize small towns.
As governor during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Blanco faced considerable resistance, but secured over $29 billion for Louisiana – for levee improvements, housing grants, and public infrastructure.
Governor Blanco prioritized investments from Pre-K to the university level, funding teacher pay raises and higher education at the Southern Regional average for the first time in a quarter century.
Tickets for the event are $25. Reservations are suggested. Call-942-7815 for more information or go to www.uwsle.org and click “events” to register.