NEW ORLEANS – On Thursday, November 19, 2015, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) presented its 2015 Alexis de Tocqueville Award to entrepreneur and philanthropist, David Fennelly, Chair of Associated Terminals and Turn Services, at an awards celebration at the Hyatt Regency.
In turn, Fennelly vowed to do even more to help residents of the region by announcing a gift of $1 million to UWSELA.
UWSELA reps said Fennelly is a self-made man who is well known and well respected within the maritime community and by the nonprofits he supports. Each year, the Tocqueville Society, comprised of philanthropic leaders who donate a minimum of $10,000 annually to United Way, presents its highest award for exemplary leadership in volunteerism and philanthropy. The Society deemed Fennelly a tireless champion for children and families.
“We want people to lead the best life possible,” Fennelly said. “The ability and attitude to accomplish anything is our motto at Associated Terminals. Children are our future, so it begins with them. I want to help children reach their full potential so they can accomplish more and succeed in school, business and life.”
UWSELA President and CEO Michael Williamson said, “David Fennelly’s extraordinary gift is an investment in our future where we envision all children and families have access to a great education, quality, affordable healthcare and equitable access to economic opportunity so that no one in southeast Louisiana, lives in poverty. “
Fennelly’s charitable service includes membership on numerous boards of directors of business associations as well as organizations focused on bringing about lasting change in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable citizens. UWSELA reps said Fennelly takes a personal interest in the individuals impacted by his support and leads by example to create a better community for all.
Earlier this year, Fennelly presided over the national ‘grand launch’ of United Way’s Club Connect. The ground-breaking program provides elementary schools most in need of improving early grade reading with books and online resources to promote reading and parent engagement throughout the entire year. Fennelly is sponsoring Club Connect in four schools in Jefferson, Orleans and St. Bernard parishes.
UWSELA reps said The Associated Terminals and Turn Services Group of companies have grown into one of the premier providers of marine services in the Gulf South Region, with its primary concentration being the Lower Mississippi River from the mouth of the river up to and including Baton Rouge.
Fennelly’s companies provide maritime services including stevedoring, logistics, terminal and port operations, push boats, fleeting and barge related services. They employ more than 850 employees. Annually, they trans-load more than 20 million tons of cargo, as well as transport and fleet tens of thousands of barge loads of cargo for customers across the United States and the world.
Fennelly was Born in Boston, MA, to Irish immigrants, and his parents decided to return to their homeland of Ireland shortly after his first birthday. Fennelly developed a keen interest in horses and farm life. At 21 he returned to the U.S. to work for the world renowned Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, KY. One of Fennelly’s clients offered him a job that brought him to New Orleans to learn about the loading and unloading of ocean going vessels, and he never left.
Fennelly still has a great love of horses—he owns the Summergrove Farm in Folsom, home polo field for the New Orleans Polo Club – and he opens his farm to many charitable organizations for special events throughout the year.
UWSELA reps said with Fennelly’s generous gift, he becomes the second individual to make a $1 million donation to UWSELA. He is in good philanthropic company, joining Robert Merrick, Chairman and CEO of LATTER & BLUM Companies who made his gift in 2014 and is also a former Tocqueville recipient.
