What do community foundations, oysters, beer, parades, and economic development have in common? This was the question a delegation from the Greater New Orleans Foundation set out to answer as it attended the 2012 Washington Mardi Gras celebrations. Created in 1944 and attended by over 3,000 businessmen, civic leaders, and Congressional leaders, Washington Mardi Gras is a series of events including an economic development luncheon, breakfasts, dinners, and receptions, culminating with the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians Ball and indoor parade. The purpose of this convergence of business and pleasure – une tradition particulière en Louisiane – is to focus on building economic development for Louisiana.
Our goal in attending these events was to raise awareness about philanthropy’s role in the recovery and renaissance of Southeastern Louisiana. Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, GNOF has expanded its role beyond that of a traditional community foundation to include leading projects in affordable housing, workforce development, and the environment. In this expanded role, the Foundation has gained key insights into the best and most innovative nonprofits serving our region. We have also established ourselves as an anchor institution and economic driver.
To spotlight our work, particularly our recent work in the coastal communities, the Foundation helped sponsor the annual Economic Development Luncheon, attended by nearly 500 top business and political leaders. We also conducted face-to-face meetings with our Congressional delegation and representatives from key agencies including The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Labor.
As we reflect on our time in Washington, we acknowledge the importance of reaching out and establishing new relationships to celebrate the generosity of our donors and address the needs of our region.
To see pictures of the event, go to our Facebook page (Greater New Orleans Foundation) and view the album, “Mardi Gras in Washington D.C.”
