Acadiana Gives

Local financial institution Home Bank has partnered with Community Foundation of Acadiana to pilot a unique gift-giving idea this holiday season.

The two groups partnered to provide select Home Bank customers with “Charity Giving Cards” — gift cards which can be redeemed to benefit any 501(c)(3) charitable organization nationwide. Home Bank will distribute these cards to some of their customers this holiday season.

The recipients of the cards may redeem the cards online (www.cfacadiana.org/givingcards) and may do so to benefit the charity, school, church or club of their choice.

“We were thrilled to help facilitate this unique gift-giving idea. We are excited to be involved in any effort to increase giving in our community and bring attention to philanthropy,” explained Raymond Hébert, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Acadiana.

“Partnering with the Community Foundation to offer our customers Giving Cards is a small way that we can help our community during difficult economic times. The fun part of this concept is that each of our customers who receives a card can donate $25 to the organization of his or her choice – from Girl Scout troops to schools or churches, any nonprofit is eligible. We hope our customers enjoy this opportunity to help a community organization that could use a little extra at this time of year,” John Bordelon, President and CEO of Home Bank, said.

This evening, three of Acadiana’s most active champions of philanthropy will be honored at the UL Alumni Center. The annual event has honored some of Acadiana’s most generous citizens over the years including Paul and LuLu Hilliard, Robert Trahan, Alfred Lamson, Greg Trahan, Sharon Moss, Bo Ramsay, Jackie Edgar, Junior League of Lafayette, Acadiana Outreach Center, United Way of Acadiana, Woman’s Foundation, Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Chitimacha Louisiana Open, Special Children’s Foundation, Joe Klutts, Earlene Branton, Madlyn Ackal Boustany, Phena Guidry, Dr. Francis Boustany, Nancy and Brudley Kibodeaux (awarded posthumously), and James Prince.

The Planned Giving Council will give its annual awards at this evening’s reception. Jim and Charlotte Doyle are being recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Philanthropists for their generosity to Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana and countless other organizations.

Stuller Family Foundation is being recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for their donations totaling $30 million for charitable purposes to improve our community.

Finally, Nicole Jones is being recognized as the 2009 Outstanding Fund Raising Volunteer for her four years of service to the Acadiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

For more information about the Planned Giving Council of Acadiana and its activities, click here.

LANO is hosting an “Extreme Grant Makeover” training in Lafayette on November 17 at the Woman’s Foundation. Organizations who need some help and advice in their grant applications should consider attending.

The training is provided at no cost due to a sponsorship by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the Louisiana Recovery Authority. For more information about registration, contact Kim (225.929.5266).

Click here to register for the training.

We’re all excited about the beautiful weather, and we have several more great excuses to spend your Saturday out in the community.

Healing House will host its 2nd annual Family Adventure Day tomorrow, and this is an experience not to be missed! Families spend the day together doing fun activities around Lafayette, and all proceeds benefit Healing House. For more information, call the Healing House at 234-0443.

The Evangeline Area Boy Scouts are bringing dodgeball to the community tomorrow as well! Opening ceremonies begin at 10 AM at Comeaux High School, and there are some great teams that are sure to compete for a spot in the finals and have a few laughs along the way.

Also available is Women’s and Children’s Hospital softball tournament at Picard Park in Milton to benefit United Way of Acadiana. Contact Shelly Lee at 521-9110 for more information.

Whichever one you choose, there are some great options to be out helping our community this weekend.

Using Facebook (and other tools) to promote your organization is gaining in popularity, and several interesting developments are worth reading about.

Facebook’s Causes application has partnered with Network for Good, Parade and the Case Foundation to engage in an interesting giving challenge that you can read all about here. America’s Giving Challenge lasts for 30 days until November 6, 2009. Let us know if your organization decides to participate.

Today’s Chronicle of Philanthropy’s online discussion featured a conversation about using Facebook to promote your organization. Read the article here.

And earlier this month, Jaci Russo of The Russo Group began teaching a class to nonprofits in Acadiana about social media tools. The class is sponsored by the Stuller Family Foundation.