Greater New Orleans Foundation Honors Christian T. Brown with Spark of Philanthropy Award
Video courtesy of Fat Happy Media
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the Greater New Orleans Foundation held its biennial meeting and presented the Spark of Philanthropy award to Christian T. Brown for his outstanding philanthropic contributions to our region.
Courtesy of VPJR | 2025 Spark of Philanthropy Awardee, Christian T. Brown (second from right), receives his award from (from left) 2025-2027 Greater New Orleans Foundation Board Chair, Alex Gershanik, 2023-2025 Greater New Orleans Foundation Board Chair, David Barksdale, and Greater New Orleans Foundation President and CEO, Andy Kopplin.
“Every two years, we give this award to a person who best embodies what it means to be a philanthropist, someone who shows their love of humanity in everything they do” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “From his service on countless boards—including as a former chair of the Foundation’s board— to his advocacy helping youth have access to better education to his unyielding efforts helping New Orleans rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, there is no doubt that without Christy’s strong leadership our region would not be where it is today. With Christy at the helm of our Be Greater Campaign, we were able to raise more than $100 million in net new funding, grow our total assets from $325 million to $500 million, and raise $20 million in new endowment support to fund the Foundation’s leadership activities in 6 years.”
Courtesy of VPJR | Foundation President and CEO address the crowd at the 2025 Spark of Philanthropy Award Ceremony.
“Philanthropy to me is not just about giving money. It’s about giving care, hope, trust, time, and belief in people’s potential when the world hasn’t always believed in them. It’s about investing in futures that we may never see but knowing that they’re worth every ounce of our effort,” said 2025 Spark of Philanthropy Awardee Christian T. Brown. “New Orleans is a city of soul, resilience, deep-rooted love. It’s also a city brimming with potential though we know that many challenges lie ahead. Together all of us philanthropists, big and small, those who care can and will overcome these challenges. If there’s one thing New Orleans has proved, it’s that for generations we have punched well above our weight when it comes to philanthropy. Caring is in our DNA. So I accept this award not for myself but on behalf of all who believe in the power of philanthropy and those who have supported the Greater New Orleans Foundation, its Be Greater campaign, and its fundholders. Finally on behalf of those who are just beginning to realize the power they possess to make a difference, let’s continue being sparks of philanthropy.”
“In my final moments as Board Chair, it is my true honor to celebrate a man who has undoubtedly served as one of this organization’s greatest and most unwavering supporters, Christian T. Brown,” said David Barksdale, 2023-2025 Board Chair of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “When I took the helm as Board Chair two years ago, I knew I was standing on the shoulders of giants who came before me and had massive shoes to fill. Thanks to Christy’s mentorship, I knew I was already prepared for what lies ahead. Thank you to Christy for continuing to be a spark for change, inspiration and, of course, philanthropy in our community.”
Courtesy of VPJR | Greater New Orleans Foundation Board of Trustees and President and CEO Andy Kopplin (far left) stand with Christian T. Brown (back row, center).
“As the new Board Chair, I am more energized than ever to help lead an organization that makes such a major impact in our region and beyond. Thanks to David Barksdale and to the entire board for trusting me with this responsibility. What a way to begin my service as Board Chair than to honor one of my esteemed predecessors, Christy Brown,” said Alex Gershanik, 2025-2027 Board Chair of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. All who work with and know Christy know how humble he is. I hope he allows himself a well-deserved moment to take pride in how he has sparked change not only in those around him, but throughout our community.”
More than 200 fundholders, elected officials, business and civic leaders were on hand at the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute to honor Brown’s leadership and philanthropy and celebrate the achievements of the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Courtesy of VPJR | 2025 Spark of Philanthropy Awardee, Christian T. Brown, looks on as his tribute video plays at the Spark of Philanthropy Award Ceremony.
Past recipients of the Greater New Orleans Foundation Spark of Philanthropy Award include Dr. Fred Staff, Mrs. Phyllis Taylor, the Ford Foundation, the Kellogg Foundation, Mrs. Gayle Benson and most recently, the Freeman, Keller, and Wisdom families.