MONROE, La– On Wednesday, March 6, United Way of Northeast Louisiana recognized outstanding volunteers and corporate partners during its annual Celebrating Excellence event. This year’s event honoring Regional Parishes took place at Bayou Pointe on the University of Louisiana Monroe’s campus.
"The success of the United Way campaign relies on the collective effort of everyone in our community," stated Daniel Taylor, Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of Northeast Louisiana. "And in 2023, our volunteers, donors, and community partners came together once again to make a measurable difference across Northeast Louisiana."
Mark Kent Anderson, 2023 United Way NELA Campaign Chair, revealed that once again, the community generously exceeded the $3 million dollar mark, totaling $3,040,546. "We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support shown by our community, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to United Way," expressed Anderson. "The tireless dedication of our campaign team has been instrumental in spreading United Way's message, and I am extremely proud of the collective achievements. It's
truly an honor to stand alongside such dedicated community advocates!"
On Thursday morning, Dr. Josh Mandrell, 2023 United Way NELA Campaign Chair for Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes, will disclose the campaign total for these parishes at the Celebrating Excellence event in Ruston.
Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) Secretary Ralph Abraham, M.D., served as today’s keynote speaker. Secretary Abraham leads the state’s largest agency with a budget of $19.1 billion and a team responsible for delivering services to millions of Louisianans. LDH protects and promotes health for Louisiana residents through services provided by Medicaid and the Offices of Public Health, Behavioral Health, Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, Aging and Adult Services, Women’s Health and Community Health, and Emergency Preparedness. These programs work to ensure access to medical, preventative, and rehabilitative services for Louisiana’s most vulnerable residents.
Dr. Ralph Abraham is a practicing family medicine physician in Richland Parish and a former three term Congressman for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District. Throughout his almost 30-year career in medicine, Dr. Abraham has seen firsthand the many healthcare challenges facing Louisiana. “The heart of a volunteer is indescribable,” said Secretary Abraham. “Without volunteers, life as we know it would not be the same.”
Dr. Abraham spoke on the impact volunteers have on the well-being of Louisianans, how social factors determine wellness, and the focus on mental health that both he and Governor Landry share.
He also spoke ona few of the initiatives that LDH has in place to promote mental health throughout the state and how increasing mental wellness will positively affect health and happiness, crime reduction and the workforce.
The top 10 companies supporting United Way, referred to as Campaign Leaders, include Origin Bank, Advancion, Argent Financial Group, Inc., Ouachita Parish School Board, Progressive Bank, Strauss Interests, Inc., Louisiana Tech University, alli Management Solutions, Southern Apparatus Services, Inc., and Centric Federal Credit Union.
Volunteers recognized at Wednesday’s event included the 2023 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator Award winner, Meredith Miller, Guaranty Bank & Trust; the 2023 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator and Team Award winners, Katie Davis and Team, Advancion; the
2023 VolunteerUNITED Award winner, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM); the 2023 LIVE UNITED Award winner, Entergy Louisiana; and the 2023 Young Leaders UNITED Award winner, Lakeysha Bullock with the City of Monroe. Additional awards presented include New Campaign Award, Going the Extra 10% Award, Special Achievement Award, and the Circle of Honor Award.
“We are thankful for every volunteer recognized and every award winner here today. We’re also very thankful for our entire community,” said Janet Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. “We are encouraged by the excitement shown and we’re looking forward to a bright and positive future for Northeast Louisiana.”
To watch the recorded event, visit United Way NELA on Facebook at @UnitedWayofNortheastLouisiana