Several of our organization's friends were honored with important awards during Volunteers of America's National Conference in June. 

Our Board Member Frank A. Glaviano, Vice President Production Americas, Shell Exploration & Production, received the prestigious Ballington and Maud Booth Award for his leadership in helping this area recover after Hurricane Katrina. 

This award, Volunteers of America's highest honor, is presented annually to a person or couple who shows the leadership and philanthropic spirit of Ballington and Maud Booth, who co-founded our organization in 1896. 

A native of New Orleans, Glaviano helped return Shell employees to downtown New Orleans and resume oil and gas exploration and production as soon as possible after the storm.  Shell's philanthropic Coming Home rebuilding and recovery program channeled millions of dollars to communities hit hard by Hurricane Katrina and Rita.  Shell's return to downtown New Orleans was significant in many ways, building confidence and restoring economic activity in the region. 

Entergy Corp., a long-time supporter of Volunteers of America, was the recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Award.  For more than 10 years, Entergy has been an active force in helping our organization's programs, including our Lighthouse youth enrichment program and an effort to supply cooling fans to seniors on fixed-incomes.  At the Lighthouse, Entergy funded an information technology learning center and improvements to the athletic fields. 

After the hurricane, when their own infrastructure was devastated, Entergy stepped forward to help Volunteers of America rebuild our two SROs, which provide affordable housing for formerly homeless persons recovering from addiction.  Entergy pledged $200,000 to our Coming Back Home initiative, which is working to create more housing for area working families. 

The New Orleans Saints were the recipients of Volunteers of America's Good Samaritan Award.  In addition to their long-time support of local educational and youth programs, Saints owner Tom Benson and his family started the New Orleans Saints Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. 

CNN received the Empathy Award in recognition of their tireless coverage of Hurricane Katrina and its impact throughout the Gulf Coast region.  Correspondent Sean Callebs accepted the award.