On Friday, June 24th, children and families in Volunteers of America North Louisiana (VOANLA) programs will experience the Shreveport-Bossier community’s CenterPoint Energy Red River Balloon Rally presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism thanks to a generous partnership with local CPA firm, Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC (HMV).
As a Red River Balloon Rally event sponsor, HMV receives a designated tent space during the two-night festival. On night one, 50 students and family members from VOANLA will attend the event free of charge. Not only will families be able to enjoy the shade from the sponsor tent, but they will also have access to the Kids Zone area and a catered southern home-cooked meal for dinner. Even further, HMV arranged transportation via Red River Trailways to ensure families travel safely and this would not be a barrier for those who wanted to attend.
“Heard, McElroy & Vestal is an example of volunteering from the heart. Their commitment to philanthropy elevates our children and families’ programs to new heights and makes a difference in the lives of those we serve,” shared Jenesis Gibson, vice president of children and families division at VOANLA.
HMV is a proud and dedicated supporter of VOANLA in many ways. In 2019, over 30 employees began taking time from their workday to volunteer with students receiving support from Communities In School (CIS) at Oak Park Elementary School. Operating in 12 Caddo Parish schools, CIS builds relationships that empower students to stay in school and succeed in life. VOANLA site coordinators, along with teachers and administration, identify challenges students face in class or at home and coordinate with community partners to bring outside resources inside schools.
“When you volunteer with CIS, you are shoulder-to-shoulder with the student, providing a consistent relationship over the years that shows them that somebody truly cares,” said Robert Dean, current board of director’s chair and managing partner at HMV.