Junior League Women Don Work Gloves

to Rebuild a Better New Orleans

(New Orleans, La.) In an unprecedented show of on-going support for the City of New Orleans, nearly 1,000 Junior League members, their families and friends gathered in the City of Jazz this October. They joined the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) on numerous projects to rebuild the city.

People have quickly forgotten that 80 percent of New Orleans was flooded - the size of 7 Manhattan islands. More than 200,000 homes were destroyed and 800,000 residents displaced. At this time, just 50 percent of residents have returned to the city in part because of the lack of available housing.

Newport News resident Sandy Donaldson, Community Relations Coordinator for Ferguson and Past President of the Junior League of Hampton Roads participated in the rebuild as well as coordinated a donation from the Ferguson's New Orleans branch. Donaldson is also an immediate past board member for the Association of Junior Leagues International.

"Ferguson believes strongly in giving back to the communities in which we serve and fully supports the mission of improving the lives of families and communities, a mission of the Junior League of Hampton Roads," said Donaldson. "The New Orlean's branch graciously donated three sinks and toilets to the neighborhood recreation center as well as toilets and sinks to the homes of two elderly couples. The joy we were able to give the home owners, as well as the families who use the center in this neighborhood was a gift that will never be forgotten by them or us."

The Junior Leagues continue to shatter an antiquated reputation as "white glove" volunteers. They have gotten their hands dirty in an effort to seriously rebuild and keep awareness elevated on the plight of New Orleans - at a time when the city is seeing fewer volunteers and even fewer tourists.

During a week-long campaign, League members, their families and friends demolished and revitalized houses and buildings in devastated parts of the city, particularly around the Freret Street neighborhood that is also home to the JLNO and their thrift store, "Bloomin'DEALS", which has been providing jobs, funds, and opportunities for local residents for more than 20 years.

Other projects included cleanup of a major city park and a neighborhood cemetery. The Leagues also worked with Habitat for Humanity, building The Musicians' Village, a residence that, once completed, will house 80 musicians. The Village is the vision of New Orleans sons, Harry Connick Jr, and Ellis and Branford Marsalis.

VNR AND B-ROLL FOOTAGE INCLUDES: Shots of devastation, rebuilding efforts, Junior League members at work on projects, viewing the devastation by bus, interactions with residents. Soundbites with Junior League members, Laura Politz - Junior League of New Orleans' President, Liz Creel - Junior of New Orleans Past President, Sandi Kemmish - President, Association of Junior Leagues International, Willie Mae Smith, Owner of Willie Mae's Scotch House restaurant. Still Images: Harry Connick Jr., Ellis and Branford Marsalis. Graphics of statistics from the impact of Katrina.

For More Information Contact

Junior League of Hampton Roads

757-873-0281