Major contributions from Cox Communications, T. Parker Host, The Helis Foundation, and RWE made in support of NOLA Coalition goals for youth services
The New Orleans Recreation Development Foundation will be receiving financial support from local business leaders that will be used to increase access to public pools in the New Orleans community, and especially youth, during the summer months of 2024. Cox Communications, T. Parker Host, The Helis Foundation, and RWE have provided a total of $85,000 that will be used to provide salary increases for lifeguards for next summer.
“The NOLA Coalition recognizes that supporting our youth is the foundation of a better city for all,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “With this in mind, we salute these local organizations that are generously giving to help NORD secure more lifeguards, and thus provide better access to pools in 2024.”
This business and civic support will help to attract, hire and retain more lifeguards, which has been a challenge nationwide. While NORD was able to open eleven pools throughout the city in 2023, an increase from seven in 2022, each pool opened on a rotating basis. More lifeguards will translate to more pools being open for more hours in 2024.
“NORD is proud to partner with the NOLA Coalition and these local companies to help support our local youth, and families we serve, said Larry Barabino, Jr., CEO of the New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission. “These funds will help NORD hire and retain more lifeguards, ensuring more pools are open for longer hours in the hot summer months of 2024.”
The NOLA Coalition remains committed to making significant and sustained business and philanthropic investment in proven community-based youth service organizations, to help them grow their impact and drive generational change. Nearly $6M has been raised to-date from the civic community of Greater New Orleans.
“Cox is proud to support the work of GNO, Inc. to provide lifeguards at NORD pools as summer activities are crucial to a child’s overall well-being,” said Anthony Pope, Senior Vice President & Region Manager of Cox. “It’s important to Cox that every child in New Orleans has access to fun and safe recreational activities to develop important social and emotional skills and to create lifelong memories as they prepare for the upcoming school year.”
“The Helis Foundation is pleased to support GNO, Inc’s incredible effort to provide increased access to safe pools across the City, where children and their families will thrive,” said David Kerstein, President of the Helis Foundation. “ By providing the necessary resources to cool off in the hottest days of summer, spend time together, and learn lifelong water safety skills, this exciting collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to our community’s wellbeing, health – and fun – next summer.”
“RWE’s mission is to power a sustainable life for safe and healthy communities. We are proud to support the NOLA Coalition and the NORD pools to open up a positive space for the children of New Orleans to enjoy their summer,” said Amanda Lefton, VP of Offshore Development at RWE. “Increasing access to these pools fosters a community hub to learn life-saving skills and how to navigate the waters with confidence – all while having fun.”
“In the summer, in this city, keeping our pools open with access for all is one of the easiest ways to improve quality of life,” said Adam Anderson, Chairman and CEO of T. Parker Host. “When we were asked to help, it was a no-brainer.”
Individual donations to the initiative are accepted, and can be made directly online.