Son of a Saint 2019 Annual Report Update

2019 A N N UA L R E P O R T

TH E P OWE R O F O U R YO U TH WI L L C H A N G E TH E S TATE O F TH I S WO R L D.

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SON OF A SAINT

A LETTER FROM THE CEO

2020 has been an eventful year; the purpose of this letter is to lead you to reflect on our 2019 accomplishments that have led us to a period of programmatic growth. It’s always nice to take a step back and recognize the successes of the previous year, as well as learn from the challenges it brought. We have found that the environment that our young people are encountering is much more challenging today than it was ten years ago. The result of this is that many young people are trying to negotiate an increasingly complex and negative environment with sometimes limited adult support. Systemic racism, generational poverty, inequitable education systems and neighborhood violence are nearly impossible to overcome without consistent, long-term, multidimensional support. We work tirelessly to disrupt this system by empowering our mentees to occupy critical seats at the table and become decision makers, leaders and change agents.

We work tirelessly to disrupt this system by empowering our mentees to occupy critical seats at the table and become decision makers, leaders and change agents.

Our biggest accomplishment was yet again serving a record number of boys in an intentional, thoughtful and holistic way, while exceeding our 2018 goals. A total of 100 boys and 100 mentors is a tenfold increase from our first year back in 2011. This commitment shows in over 5,000 hours of volunteer time contributed.

We make our mentees aware of their strengths, and affirm and build on those strengths. We use strength awareness and an individualized support system to guide mentees toward academic majors, social and mental awareness and post-secondary education. Our young men are much more likely to go on to college and avoid the judicial system than young people from similar backgrounds who do not have a mentor or the 24/7 support that we provide.

Our outstanding mentors, staff, moms, educators and program partners have also had a major impact on the success of our young men and their families.

Testimonials of their journeys together are truly inspiring, and we’ve shared some of them with you throughout this annual report.

BIVIAN “SONNY” LEE III Founder + CEO, Son of a Saint 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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SON OF A SAINT

A L E T T E R F R O M T H E B OA R D C H A I R M A N

The year 2019 was one to remember for Son of a Saint. As an organization, we set some lofty goals and objectives.

We set a goal of increasing our impact to 100 Boys.

Mission Accomplished.

We set a goal of increasing the depth of our staff.

Mission Accomplished.

We set a goal of improving transportation for our boys.

Mission Accomplished.

The year 2019 was one to remember for Son of a Saint. As an organization, we set some lofty goals and objectives.

We set a goal of finding a building to be a permanent home for our boys.

Mission Accomplished.

We set the goal of raising $2,000,000 in sustainable funding for our mission.

Mission Accomplished.

We set out to have a phenomenal Fundraising Gala at the Ritz Carlton, which surpassed our fund-raising expectations.

Mission Accomplished!

All of these accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the selfless commitment of our supporters and donors. We are truly grateful for your support and look forward to 2020 and beyond.

RYAN BURKS Board Chairman, Son of a Saint

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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WHO WE SERVE

Each year, Son of a Saint selects a group of boys ages 10-12 to join our program. These young men are fatherless due to their father’s death, incarceration, deportation or single motherhood, and are often boys in crisis. Son of a Saint employs a holistic approach, using a network of volunteers and partner agencies that enables us to address every boy’s individual needs. Each boy remains an official mentee until he is 18, but the connections remain, and we continue to advise and support him in the years that follow. Our goal is to graduate self-sufficient, independent thinkers who are leaders and give back to their community.

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AG E S 10 -21

84%

6%

5%

5%

Black or African American

Latino

2+ Races

White

SON OF A SAINT

40%

80%

95%

H AV E A N I N CO M E OF LESS THAN $12 ,000 P E R Y E A R

Q UA L I F Y F O R F R E E / REDUCED LUNCH

R AC I A L MINORITIES

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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SON OF A SAINT

R E A L T I M E R E F L E C T I O N | COV I D -19 R E S P O N S E

While COVID-19 may have temporarily slowed Son of a Saint’s growth, it has not stopped its expansion and depth of impact.

With more than 95 percent of its mentees being young men of color, and existing in a system that’s already predisposed to force Black men to the bottom, the challenges associated with doing Son of a Saint’s transformative work, especially during a pandemic, are numerous. However, instead of scaling back, the entire organization and its leadership team stepped up in light of recent socio-political events and the unprecedented national climate.

The combined effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the increased attention to the Black Lives Matter movement have created a seismic shift in public attention and intention for Son of a Saint. In particular, new supporters, partners, collaborators, donors, activists, organizers, business owners and individuals are becoming more aware and educated about the urgent need for the near-decade-long work and core mission of Son of a Saint, forging new partnerships and bridging gaps that previously existed.

Due to the onset of COVID-19, the usual programming and funds required to support Son of a Saint’s mentees with the proper wealth of resources and opportunities were immediately triaged and redirected in order to provide basic needs and services to the boys’ single-guardian families. As a result, Son of a Saint made several impactful developments since the start of pandemic, including:

• Delivering more than 10,000 meals and counting to families struggling to keep food on the table during COVID-19.

• Facilitating 150 mental wellness therapy sessions and counting.

• Providing technology and smart device access to all mentees for continued online and remote learning.

• Graduating the program’s third class of mentees, all of whom have post-secondary education plans, including our first mentee to attend West Point Military Academy where he received a scholarship to play football.

We faced a situation that could have been cataclysmic and instead used it as a catalyst.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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2019 F I N A N C I A L S

46% Corporate

41% Individuals

13% Foundations

ASSETS

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SON OF A SAINT

Cash and equivalents Accounts Receivable Investments Prepaid Insurance

$824,149 $20,740 $32,051 $18 ,745

Total Current Assets Total Fixed Assets

$895 ,685 $11 ,050

Total Assets

$906 , 735

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable Notes Payable

$1 , 326 —

Total Liabilities

$1 , 326

Net Assets: Without restriction With restriction

$659,976 $245 ,433

Total Net Assets

$905 ,409

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

$906 , 735

INCOME Grant Income Donation Income In-Kind Donations School Contract Income

$49, 803 $1 ,699,939 $46 ,688 $1 ,430

Total Income

$1 , 797, 860

EXPENSES Program Services Support Services Fundraising

$787,907 $23 4, 572 $201 , 869

Total Expenses

$1 , 224 , 348

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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2019 Y E A R I N R E V I E W | JA N UA R Y – J U LY

We welcomed a new class of 18 mentees, pictured here, graduated our second class of mentees, and launched new in-house programming.

In-House Mental Health Counseling

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SON OF A SAINT

Education Program

Career Development Program

BEAU

ISAIAH

ISIAH

JADEN

JAE

JAI

JAREATH

JEFFERSON

JENNARO

JOSHUA

KE’WAN

KELLY

MAYKOL

MI’KING

RONTRAE

RYAN

TAJ

ZION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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2019 Y E A R I N R E V I E W | AU G U S T – D E C E M B E R

2019 A NNUAL GAL A

2019 brought momentous growth for us. We’ve been fortunate to continue our growth and share successes beside our dedicated partners. Each year, this gala is our greatest fundraising event, offering the opportunity to acknowledge our boys and the talented individuals and mentors who collectively fuel this organization. We would simply not exist without their support.

Son of a Saint raised a record-breaking $465,000 at the annual gala on Friday, November 1, 2019 in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. The annual event raises funds to support the nonprofit’s myriad programming events, providing holistic mentorship to dozens of young men throughout New Orleans. As Son of a Saint continues its crucial work of enhancing the lives of 100 fatherless young men in the New Orleans area — its highest mentee enrollment numbers to date — all proceeds support this core mission.

Attendees were welcomed with a patron cocktail party presented by Moët and Link Stryjewski Foundation, preceding the main event. Four Son of a Saint mentees emceed the evening, with Norman Robinson providing commentary. Gala guests enjoyed musical entertainment, as well as a silent auction, a threecourse dinner, and an open bar. The “Mentee of the Year” was awarded to Myron, one of the four talented emcees, and “Mentor of the Year” was awarded to Eddie Jurgielewicz.

Through generous in-kind sponsorship, Wink Design & Events provided the décor in collaboration with Luminous Events, Herbivore, and Brown Forman. Other Marquee Sponsors and top event donors included Jones Walker; King & Jurgens; RYCARS Construction; Advantage Capital; Goss Advisors; and Latter & Blum.

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SON OF A SAINT

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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2019 Y E A R I N R E V I E W | AU G U S T – D E C E M B E R

PAT HWAY S T O A F RICA

In November 2019, 15 Son of a Saint mentees were chosen to travel from New Orleans to Ghana to experience a life-changing trip.

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SON OF A SAINT

In November 2019, 15 Son of a Saint mentees were chosen to travel from New Orleans to Ghana to experience a life-changing trip. The occasion marked our organization’s second culturally immersive international trip in partnership with renowned education travel company, No Barriers Youth and Learning AFAR. During their time abroad, the mentees followed an expertly curated itinerary and took part in a fully educational, cultural and service-learning oriented experience. The adventure included exposure to the food, environment, citizens and cultures of several regions of Ghana, and was an unprecedented learning experience that helped shape our boys’ worldview and shift the lens through which they see and navigate their lives. The trip to Africa was designed to help spur these young men to cultivate a level of open-mindedness, inspiration and to aspire to give back as passionate leaders.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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P R O G R A M M I N G BY T H E N U M B E R S SCHOLARSHIPS Son of a Saint works to provide middle school and high school scholarships allowing mentees to attend tuitionbased schools in the New Orleans area. If a mentee has the inclination and academic capability to attend a private or parochial school, we do our best to make sure financial means are not a barrier to a quality education.

Son of a Saint Scholars Assistance Son of a Saint Scholarship Assistance

21 recipients 13 recipients

$95,676.60 $46,651.36

Total

34 recipients

$142,327.96

TUTORING SESSIONS

CAREER DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCES

Son of a Saint provides ongoing tutoring for boys in need of additional academic support. Many of our volunteer educators are current New Orleans middle school or high school teachers, and are familiar with the boys’ coursework. We also serve as advocates for the boys at school, intervening in the case of behavioral or academic challenges, and by providing support to guardians.

Son of a Saint’s Career Development Coordinator pairs boys with internships, job shadowing opportunities and academic camps. We also organize company tours and career panels for our mentees to learn about interview skills and different career options.

20-30 sessions/month (throughout 2019)

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SON OF A SAINT

August – December: 10 experiences Number of mentees participating: 56

MENTORSHIP Regular daylong mentorship sessions are designed to aid in our boys’ academic, personal and overall development. We host 20 group mentorship sessions per month, on average, covering topics such as etiquette, time management, decision-making, critical thinking, anger management, moral reasoning, life skills, work ethic, leadership, civic responsibility and teamwork. Mentees and mentors enjoy frequent outings, such as sporting events, educational trips, movies, dining, parades and volunteer activities. 75% of our boys are also paired with a dedicated mentor to facilitate an ongoing, one-on-one mentoring relationship.

21 mentees paired throughout 2019 More than 5,000 hours dedicated by mentors

COLLEGE PREP

COUNSELING SESSIONS

Son of a Saint works with boys to ensure they have the preparation and knowledge to make an informed decision about their higher education path. We review postsecondary education options, facilitate ACT preparation classes, guide them in the college essay writing process, teach them about college financing, and help connect them with financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Son of a Saint’s Licensed Professional Counselor provides evaluations and ongoing counseling for our boys. This counselor works with mentees individually and in groups to address issues such as trauma, anger and grief.

30 of sessions from August – December

25 of sessions from August – December 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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TESTIMONIALS

JAMAL

TELLY HIGGINS

Mentee

Mentor

Son of a Saint has helped me become a better person, from etiquette skills at dinners to taking me on trips to where I’ve experienced new cultures and ways of life. Son of a Saint also helped to put me in a school of my choosing and making connections with people, and also has helped my family through rough patches and continues to do so. Because of Son of a Saint, I am on track to succeed.

A Son of a Saint mentor is a person who is an experienced friend or confidant that provides guidance and support in any number of ways, including academically.

Being a mentor in this organization allowed me to make sure that each mentee has the tools and support they need to succeed in life. One of the significant parts of mentorship is helping mentees develop habits of success, dispositions, mindsets, and behaviors they need to make a successful transition from middle school to high school and college.

As a mentor, I provide the necessary guidance for each mentee to succeed in school and help them with opportunities to develop life skills such as selfdirected learning and a growth mindset.

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SON OF A SAINT

CINDY VENABLE

TRACEY ROBINSON

Mom

Mom

Before Son of a Saint, my son was in a very dark place in his life. Not only was he fatherless but he has a stutter and he has been teased and bullied throughout his life. When he was around ten years old, he had a baseball game on Father’s Day. He was so sad that day because all of the other boys’ fathers were watching them play and celebrating Father’s Day. He started to cry and felt rejected and isolated because he had no dad. As his mother, I hated to see him suffer. It is a terrible feeling to know I could not give him any comfort that day. He was yearning for a male bond and I could not give that to him. I started searching the web for a mentoring program and came across my saving grace, the Son of a Saint Program which has embraced my son and me with open arms. Everyone from the mentors, the counselors, the after school tutors, the transportation team, the community service team, the volunteers and the moms support groups have impacted our lives.

In my life, I’ve had many teachers, mentors, coaches, and accountability partners. I knew that when I became a mother, my son, Winston, would also have many teachers. I had not planned to be a divorced single parent, but life happens and we adjust. I know that I can teach my son many things.

How to be a man was not one of them. The next best thing was to surround Winston with positive, equipped, male role models who would hold him accountable, mentor him, advise him, and pour into him. I’m aware of the statistics as it relates to young black males, especially those who come from a single parent home. Son of a Saint is a program that has expanded his vision, given him opportunities and experiences that I would not be in a position to give him. Son of a Saint is an arrow in my son’s quiver that is helping him beat the odds and position him to be a successful artist, righteous young man, and servant.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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TESTIMONIALS

MAX DAVIDSON, LMSW

BOBBY MERRICK

Teacher, School Social Worker, Administrator

Funders: Corporate, Individual, Foundation

Son of a Saint has been instrumental in creating a support network for several of our students. Its staff creates this by fully immersing themselves in the student’s academic and social progress at school and helping to support their involvement in extracurricular activities. We have seen how having Son of a Saint’s involvement with students has given them a community of caring adults that are cheering them on and helping to guide them as emerging young adults.

At school we have really appreciated Son of a Saint looking out for all aspects of these students and helping to empower parents and guardians to partner with schools. Students who have Son of a Saint involvement know that they have a team of people behind them.

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SON OF A SAINT

I am proud to support Son of a Saint, an organization that is providing a positive and tangible solution to racial and economic inequity in New Orleans. Son of a Saint is here to lift up the most vulnerable youth in our city through holistic, 24/7 support, and disrupt the cycle of poverty and fatherlessness to which too many of our young people fall victim.

ELIZABETH BOH

WENDY BERON

Funders: Corporate, Individual, Foundation

Community Partner: Methodist Health System Foundation

Son of a Saint wraps its arms around their young men, providing them with what every loving parent would give to their own children - encouragement, opportunities, and a support system. Over the past nine years of being a supporter and Ambassador of Son of a Saint, I’ve seen boys who had lost their self-confidence go on to graduate high school with honors and become the first in their families to enroll in college. The transformation is nothing short of amazing, and I’m so proud to be a part of the Son of a Saint family.

Methodist Health System Foundation is proud to partner with Son of a Saint by adding a dedicated mental health specialist to the team. We remain impressed with Son of a Saint’s holistic approach to the boys they serve. Incorporating a system to address behavioral and mental health concerns contributes to improved success for Son of a Saint mentees.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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M E N T E E P R O F I L E S A N D I M PAC T

Kamal has been involved with Son of a Saint since January 2019. He is currently a sophomore at McDonogh 35.

NEW MENTEE!

Since joining the program, Kamal has attended legal discussions, professional networking events, visited the National World War II Museum, practiced with the New Orleans Lacrosse Club and, along with three of his fellow mentees, co-hosted the 2019 Son of a Saint Annual Gala.

KAMAL

Characteristically energetic and outgoing, Kamal is known for easily making new friends among his peers, and also for demonstrating confidence when conversing with adults.

Throughout 2019, Kamal also experienced standout domestic and international travel experiences, to New York City in June and again to Ghana, Africa in November.

Kamal’s interests and future goals include entrepreneurship and becoming a naturopathic doctor.

MENTEE FOR 5 YEARS!

Keylon joined Son of a Saint in 2015. He is currently a sophmore at The Living School.

Through his participation with Son of a Saint, Keylon has attended etiquette dinners, practiced with the New Orleans Lacrosse Club, participated in financial literacy classes and had the opportunity to ride in the Krewe of Freret Mardi Gras parade. When Keylon graduates high school, he plans to attend the University of Connecticut and study biology.

KEYLON

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SON OF A SAINT

G R A D UAT E S P OT L I G H T 2016 GRADUATE

Program G row t h (2018-2019)

Increased from 80 to 100 mentees

ALEJANDRO

100% Me nte e Par t icipat ion

Attending 4+ Son of a Saint activities per month

Alejandro completed culinary school at the International Culinary Center in New York City. Alejandro was the 2018 recipient of the Aaron Sanchez Scholarship, dedicated to empowering Latin youth through culinary education, mentorship and industry experience in an effort to diversify kitchen leadership for future generations. His future aspirations include a successful career in leadership in the restaurant industry.

2019 GRADUATE

N um b e r of G radu ates

2

(2018)

10

(2019)

5

(2020)

80% In Colle ge / Post se condar y Educ at ion

CC Cemon “CC� is currently studying marine biology at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. In addition to his school career, CC also works at a coffee shop and assists with construction.

The remainder are employed with opportunities for career advancement

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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I N S PI R I N G M E NTO R S H I P A N D TR A N S FO R M I N G TH E L I V E S O F FATH E R L E S S B OY S .

M E N T E E S P OT L I G H T 2011

Quinten joined Son of a Saint in 2011 as the organization’s very first mentee. He is now a class of 2020 graduate from Lusher High School and an alumnus of Son of a Saint.

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SON OF A SAINT

Quinten is attending Louisiana State University where he is studying coding and computer engineering.

Throughout his tenure in the organization, Quinten has taken advantage of several personal and professional opportunities, including a part-time job at longtime Son of a Saint business partner, Dat Dog, as well as national and international travel from Los Angeles to Ghana, Africa.

2020

Quinten has even developed his own video game.

Naturally inquisitive and avidly conversational, Quinten has formed bonds with all members of the Son of a Saint network, from fellow mentees, to staff members to business partners and donors.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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LEADERSHIP BOARD OF DIRECTORS RYAN BURKS

CAROL ASHER

THEODORE C. SANDERS, III

President, RYCARS Construction (Board Chair)

Community Activist

Chief Executive Officer, Louisiana Asset Management Pool

WILLIAM H. HINES

Vice President Ochsner Community Based Clinics, Ochsner Health

Managing Partner, Jones Walker (Vice Chair & Governance Committee Chair)

AMANDA BERGER Attorney, DuBois, Bryant & Campbell, LLP (Development Committee Chair)

PETER HAMILTON, III Attorney, The Law Offices of Peter Hamilton (Secretary)

KEVIN C. GREEN, JR.

HENRY KING Managing Member, King & Jurgens, LLC

BYRON KANTROW SLOSAR Director, Career Wave Programs & New York Regional Office, Tulane University

CLEVELAND SPEARS, III President/CEO, Spears Group

CHIP KNIGHT Chief Banking Officer, Hancock Whitney Bank

BIVIAN “SONNY” LEE III Founder + CEO, Son of a Saint

JEN HAYES LEE Head of Marketing, The Bump

NANCY REBOLD Founder and Director Child Advocates of Connecticut

AMBASSADORS BRYAN BATT

SOLANGE KNOWLES

MARK ROMIG

Actor/ Author/ Activist

Recording Artist

President and CEO, NOTMC

ELIZABETH BOH

DONALD LINK

STEPHEN STRYJEWSKI

Philanthropist

Restauranter

Restauranter

TERENCE BLANCHARD

DEUCE MCALLISTER

Jazz Trumpeter, Composer

MARQUES COLSTON New Orleans Saints Hall of Famer

NINA COMPTON Chef-owner, Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro

STEVE GLEASON Former New Orleans Saint; Activist

A.J. KLEIN Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

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SON OF A SAINT

New Orleans Saints Hall of Famer

THOMAS MORESTEAD Punter, New Orleans Saints

BENJAMIN WATSON Former New Orleans Saint

MATTHEW WINKLER Journalist; Founder, Bloomberg News

P.J. MORTON

JUSTISE WINSLOW

Maroon 5; Founder, Morton Records

Forward, Memphis Grizzlies

DR. JOHN NICKLOW President, University of New Orleans

KENNETH POLITE Partner, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

T H A N K YO U TO O U R 2019 S P O N S O R S HERO ($50,000+)

Chevron Trevor and CeCe Colhoun ESPN Goss Advisors Greater New Orleans Foundation Methodist Health System Foundation, Inc. River Rock Stone Works RYCARS Construction

SUPER SAINT ($25,000 - $49,999)

Advantage Capital AFAR Media Allstate Insurance Company Mike and Lynn Coatney Family Foundation Dat Dog Emeril Lagasse Foundation Jones Walker LLP King and Jurgens Latter & Blum Robert Merrick Ruth Lilly Philanthropic Foundation Wayne Teetsel United Way SELA Verizon

SAINT ($10,000 - $24,999)

Tessa Albrecht and Daniel Schmitz Carol and Harold Asher Brees Dream Foundation Brown Forensic Accounting Lynne Burkart Stephanie and Marvin Campbell Cox Communications New Orleans City Council Community Grant Ray & Kay Eckstein Charitable Trust Goldring Family Foundation GPOA Foundation Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Gustaf W. McIlhenny Foundation Hancock Whitney The Jaeger Foundation JP Morgan Chase Kaitlin and J. Bart Kelly Link Stryjewski Foundation Lockton Companies PeyBack Foundation Quality First Marine Republic Business Credit Ruth U. Fertel Foundation Britton Sanderford Lindsy and Jason Sanders Laura Scriba Pam and Gary Smith, Sr. Tesson Family Foundation Sidney Torres

Valero Benefit for Children Wells Fargo Foundation Jonathan and Karen Whitcomb Fund Lisa and Matthew Winkler

ROLE MODEL ($5,000 - $9,999)

David and Lynn Adams Amanda and Ryan Berger George and Leslie Biddle Elizabeth Boh Boh Brothers Centennial Fund Capitol Imaging, LLC Capital One Michelle Charvet and Mark Schneider City Council/Harrah’s Community Support Grants Program Nina Compton and Larry Miller Dances With a Limp Ministries Dear World Entergy Jason Glushon Laurie and Warmoth Guillaume Gus’s Fried Chicken Peter Hamilton, III Sandra and Russ Herman A.J. and Taylor Rose Klein Lauricella Land Company, LLC Craig Lovelace Lowe Stein Peter Mayer MCM Products USA, Inc. Kristy and Jeffrey Meyers Maxie Nassar New Orleans and Company Brandon Okpalobi Dr. Benjamin Peeler Platt Family Foundation Robin’s House Family Foundation Mark and Tori Smith Ms. Ann Tenenbaum and Mr. Thomas H. Lee U.S. Bancorp Community Development Organization Vienna Sausage

FRIEND ($2,500-$4,999)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Brian Katz Dow Company Foundation Donum Dei Foundation Greater New Orleans, Inc. Michael and Alicia Johnson Louisiana Asset Management Pool, Inc. Louisiana Seals, Inc. Mable C. Robinett Fund New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation Lisa Rapkin Karen Sobel Sterbcow Family Foundation The Whitman Family Foundation 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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S O N O FA S A I N T.O R G