NEW ORLEANS – Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) announced an additional $100,000 was raised for the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund. The Greater New Orleans Foundation board raised $50,000, which was matched with $50,000 from the Sherry and Alan Leventhal Family Foundation.
“The people of New Orleans know what it’s like to suffer through a disaster,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. We are grateful for our partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to support our nonprofit community in bringing relief to the impacted areas. Additionally, we are proud to expand our promotional efforts to encourage more people to make a difference. New Orleans, let’s stand together and pay it forward. It’s our turn.”
Unveiled by Mayor Landrieu today, the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund promotional video campaign was released to rally support for the Fund. Along with Mayor Landrieu and GNOF president and CEO Andy Kopplin, partners in the video included Michael Fitts, president of Tulane University; Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president of Dillard University; Chris Cameron, executive director of HandsOn New Orleans; Lester Love, pastor of City of Love; and, Andrenecia Morris, executive director of HousingNOLA.
“We are incredibly grateful to the donors who have contributed to the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund,” said GNOF’s Kopplin. “Grants from this fund are helping local nonprofit organizations who are sending supplies, recruiting volunteers and providing relief efforts to those affected by the storms. We’re bringing our expertise to where it’s needed most.”
On Aug. 28, Mayor Landrieu and GNOF reactivated the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund to contribute to recovery efforts following Hurricane Harvey’s impact in Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Most recently, the Fund distributed $68,000, which was distributed to local community organizations that are helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey through various relief efforts and initiatives. Hurricane Irma relief efforts are also anticipated.
“It’s our turn to help, and we hope that some of the hard lessons we’ve learned during Katrina will help our neighbors experiencing such heartbreaking devastation,” said Connie Uddo, NOLA Tree Project director. The NOLA Tree Project was one of several organizations that received a grant from the NOLA Pay It Forward’s first round of grants.
Those interested in donating to the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund can do so here
