Giving Back
INSIDE NEW ORLEANS CLOSES EACH YEAR with a toast to local businesses and organizations dedicated to giving back to the city we love. These community champions embody the spirit of generosity and service that defines New Orleans, making our home a stronger, kinder place for all.
SWIM FOR BROOKE
The Brooke Erin Posey Foundation’s annual Swim for Brooke event supports local non-profits that specifically promote youth wellness and enrichment in Greater New Orleans. Founder Melissa Corass named the foundation for her stepdaughter, Brooke, who passed away at just 17 in a car accident. “Her compassion and zest for life inspired everyone who knew her. She believed deeply in helping others and building community,” Melissa says, which is why Swim for Brooke has financially given back to nine local non-profits, including Hope House, JoJo’s Hope, and Heart of Passion. Each year, they review nominations to ensure they give back to impactful, fiscally responsible non-profits with a strong presence in our community.
6341 Carlson Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122; (985) 7184144; swimforbrooke.com
ACME OYSTER HOUSE
At Acme Oyster House, owner Mike Rodrigue proudly uses Acme as his vehicle for philanthropy, supporting organizations like Sunshine Kids, St. Michael’s Special School, and Shuck Cancer. His relationship with the New Orleans Fore!Kids Foundation has spanned 37 plus years, serving as Chairman of the Board from 1998 to 2006. In 2006, Rodrigue co-founded the Bayou District Foundation, creating sustainable community resources, including the Educare early learning facility in Columbia Parish. From rebuilding Louisiana’s coastline to educating future generations, Acme Oyster House proudly serves meaningful change.
3000 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002 and 724 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130; (504) 309-4056; acmeoyster.com
FIDELITY BANK
Fidelity Bank’s Community Partners program supports more than 300 local organizations, providing tailored financial solutions, resources, and promotional support to help 501(c) nonprofits achieve their missions. Through special Community Partner Checking benefits, free financial education workshops, and online learning tools, organizations and individuals can access tools that build a stronger, more resilient community.
3829 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002; (504) 8889616; bankwithfidelity.com
OCHSNER MEDICAL CENTER
Ochsner is a constant community partner, providing a wide range of health, education, and support initiatives designed to improve well-being across Louisiana and Mississippi. Its community health outreach includes free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other conditions. They have created partnerships that expand access to specialists and essential services. Efforts like the “Geauxing Mobile” unit, which brings care directly to underserved neighborhoods, is one of many examples. Ochsner also partners with schools and invests in STEM activities, wellness programs, and employee mentorship. OchsnerServes is an added effort to support employees and their efforts to champion local causes close to their hearts.
1514 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, LA 70121; 504-8423000; ochsner.org
NEW ORLEANS WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S SHELTER
The New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter’s sole mission is to help women and their children transition from a life of homelessness and poverty to one of stability and self-sufficiency. NOWCS is currently the only homeless shelter in the New Orleans metro area that accommodates intact families as well as women with children and pregnant women. Families also receive case management and support services, employment and education support, youth counseling, and more.
2624 Iberville St., New Orleans, LA 70119; (504) 5071617; nowcs.org
AMERICAN BANK
American Bank proudly gives back to organizations near and dear to the hearts of its team members and customers. Every year, American Bank participates in and supports causes like Hogs for the Cause, the Optimist Club, Bling a Pair to Save a Pair, Ballin’ 4 Inc. Charity Basketball Game, and the American Hero Golf Classic, which benefits the Gary Sinise Foundation for wounded veterans. Through these efforts, American Bank contributes to the growth of the community spirit.
819 N. Columbia St., Covington, LA 70433; (985) 898-0206; AmericanBankUSA.com
TULANE LAKESIDE HOSPITAL
Tulane stays engaged and gives back with programs and events that promote health, education, and awareness. Walk With a Doc offers a free, physician- or medical student-led walk each month at NOMA, giving participants a chance to learn about their health while staying active. Tulane Ophthalmology also supports community wellness through initiatives like Strikes for Sight, a fundraiser benefiting the Southern Eye Bank foundation and promoting eye-donor awareness. In addition, the annual ManUp event, hosted by Tulane Urology and East Jefferson General Hospital, raises awareness of prostate cancer by providing free PSA screenings and opportunities for the community to connect with Saints legends, including survivor Rickey Jackson.
4720 South I-10 Service Road, suite 300, Metairie, LA 70001; 504-988-5000; medicine.tulane.edu/our-hospitals
IMPACT504
Impact504 has a mission to empower New Orleans with free community events and programs for youth, adults, and seniors, including educational activities, giveaways, and community service weekends. With programs like Christmas gift and coat giveaways at WinterFest504 to resources for underserved residents through Krewe de Charite, Impact504 is a dedicated NOLA partner.
2927 Audubon St., New Orleans, LA 70125; (504) 913-1888; impact504.org
THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
Thibodaux Regional Health System’s annual Festival of Hope 5K Run/Walk raises funds for cancer education, screenings, and support services. The health system also sponsors the Firemen’s Fair 5K and Fun Run each spring to support the local firefighters in the parish.
602 N Acadia Rd., Thibodaux, LA 70301; (985) 447-5500; thibodaux.com