(Lead Photo of UW Board members: Seated L-R Josie Frank, Wanda Verrette, Sonia Ardoin, Suzy Lemoine; Standing L-R Stephen Morrow, Dr. Joe Wilson, Tim Marks, Brian Ardoin, Ginger LeCompte, Charles LaCaze, Steve Smith- Credit: United Way of St. Landry-Evangeline)
This annual affair provides St. Landry-Evangeline United Way the opportunity to recognize donors, volunteers and advocates.
St. Landry-Evangeline United Way held its annual appreciation banquet January 22nd at Toby’s Downtown in Opelousas. As an annual event, the United Way acknowledges the many supporters in St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes who donate, volunteer or advocate on behalf of the organization and those it helps.
The 2024 event celebrated and honored several individuals, businesses and non-profit agencies from both parishes for outstanding commitment and generosity, and for their leadership and partnership. Receiving Board Member of the Year was Brian Ardoin, president of the United Way board, presented for his leadership and commitment, and his active engagement to build the organization’s visibility in Evangeline Parish, specifically.
The Community Volunteer of the Year went to Daniel Holsomback for his impressive and compassionate work with formerly incarcerated individuals as they reenter society and rebuild their lives. Non-profit Agency of the Year was awarded to Revelation Outreach, Inc. for its active engagement with the community to feed over 300 families a month, and for preparing and distributing hundreds of Christmas day meals to local officers, dispatchers, and prisoners in the Ville Platte and Evangeline Parish jails.
The Society of St. Vincent DePaul (out of Grand Coteau), received the Community Partner of the Year for consistently partnering with United Way and serving as a reliable referral for people seeking help. Also receiving a Community Partner award was Modern Woodmen of the World for their support as a new donor to United Way.
Additional awards went to DELEK, USA as the Cornerstone Award recipient. Delek has consistently, through financial contributions, sponsorships and grants enabled United Way to provide programs, disaster relief, and Covid-related funds to many non-profits. United Way board member, and part of Delek’s leadership team, Mary Beth Henry was recognized as United Way Champion for her decades of loyal support and tremendous “ambassadorship” for St. Landry-Evangeline United Way.
As stated by Brian Ardoin, United Way president, “With our dream team board, and our second-to-none Executive Director, I know this will be another great year for our United Way as we continue to strengthen old partnerships while establishing new ones.”
This year’s theme, Live United, is not only a slogan, but according to Executive Director, Ginger LeCompte, “Living united means that together with all sectors – government, civic, private, business, and religious – we must face the hard truths about poverty, hunger, education and health, identify the root causes and fight to find solutions.”
St. Landry-Evangeline United Way actively seeks opportunities to improve lives and communities through its leadership in connecting people and resources to community needs. By focusing on the building blocks of a strong and healthy community – Health, Education and Financial Stability, United Way promotes projects, programs and activities that will create the greatest community impact.
