NEW ORLEANS – On Tuesday, April 11, the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Foundation will host their inaugural Champions Gala honoring longtime supporter, Peyton Manning. The NORD Foundation will also acknowledge leaders and companies who have made major investments in New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) to improve the quality of life for all New Orleanians. The gala will take place at the Jill H. and Avram A. Glazer Family Club at Tulane University’s Yulman Stadium, 2900 Ben Weiner Dr.
This informal event will celebrate the revitalization of NORDC, highlight NORDC’s progress since the establishment of the public-private partnership in 2010, its world-class facilities and growing array of programs, reps said.
The event will feature a live sampling of NORDC’s wide range of public programs and honor supporters who have made significant investments in creating a world-class recreation system in New Orleans. Peyton Manning, who played NORD baseball before he became a football star, will be recognized as the NORD Foundation’s first “Legacy Tribute” recipient. He will share the evening’s honors with the “Unsung Hero” award recipient Jerome Smith, a Freedom Rider, community activist and longtime NORDC volunteer who advocates tirelessly for children.
“When I took office in 2010, this administration vowed to rebuild NORDC better than it was before, with state-of-the art facilities and diverse program offerings to serve all New Orleans residents, from our children to senior citizens,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the NORD Foundation. I commend them for their hard work and continual support and offer my sincerest thanks to Peyton Manning, Jerome Smith and all members of the New Orleans community who have worked tirelessly to help us build a world-class recreation department.”
“We are energized by the support we’ve received thus far for our inaugural gala,” Louis Lauricella, chair of the NORD Foundation Board of Directors, said. “We are excited to partner with community leaders and celebrities to create a safer, healthier and more connected community.”
“I want to thank the NORD Foundation for being great partners and supporters of NORDC’s mission,” said Vic Richard, CEO of NORDC. “NORDC’s growth would not be possible without the commitment of this administration, City Council our community, corporate partners, and sponsors. We will continue to provide safe, educational, recreational and culturally engaging opportunities to all New Orleanians.