Terrance Simien performs with Lil’ Nathan and the Zydeco Big Tymers
Terrance Simien and Margaret Trahan
Dave Welch completes landscaping tasks on Day of Caring.
Acadian Ambulance employees build a gazebo for LARC residents on Day of Caring.
No matter how late I’ve been out the night before, Party Girl is always willing to get up early and get involved for a day of caring. I recently went dressed in my Live United T-shirt with my fellow patrons to help support the launch of the United Way of Acadiana’s 2008 Annual Campaign and Day of Caring. The 15th Annual Day of Caring brought together four parishes, 32 service projects and 300 volunteers to make a difference on June 13. For a real treat, United Way’s zydeco breakfast featured the music of Lil’ Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers. Grammy winner Terrance Simien made a special guest appearance and played with Lil’ Nathan for a couple of songs. “There is no better way to launch a community-wide movement than a day dedicated to volunteer service,” says Margaret Trahan, President/CEO United Way of Acadiana. “Today, we reach out a hand and influence the conditions of all. And, the best is, today is only the beginning.” Members and volunteers participated throughout Lafayette, Acadia, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes. Projects included painting, landscaping, organizing food pantries and clothes donations, construction projects, and outings with children. Volunteer time totaled nearly 1,500 hours, valued at $30,000 for the day. Live United is more than a campaign theme, explains Sarah Berthelot, chief of philanthropy for United Way of Acadiana. “Live United is a call to action, a way of life. And today we invite Acadiana to join our movement and be part of the change.” Party Girl knows a good thing when she sees it, and what I saw that day was heart-warming. Good job, United Way of Acadiana ,and thanks to all the volunteers and staff for their efforts.
Celebrating Independence Day is a Party Girl tradition, and Sugar Mill Pond was just the spot for me on July 4. SMP held its 3rd annual Independence Day Celebration with fabulous fireworks, pony rides, face painting and of course live music by Kim Brasso and the Louisiana Boogie for the adults. Open to the public, this event was larger then ever despite some fear there would be a downpour. Of course the rain held out; no one was going to rain our parade! Jeldwen Windows and Doors helped to cool everyone down on this hot summer evening with ice-cold lemonade. Among the patriotic crowd, the fireworks were really something to see, and even the Statue of Liberty made an appearance.
Party On! — PG
Fireworks at the pond
Isabelle Beaullieu, Julia Hebert & Hayes Beaullieu
Derek, Michelle, Julia & Anne Marie Hebert
Austin Mills
Statue of Liberty
PJ Naomi & Carl Hamilton, the grill masters