FONO Takes on Aspen
Friends of New Orleans, in collaboration with the Aspen Institute, sponsored a trip for several prominent New Orleans leaders in Aspen, Colorado on August 9,10 and 11. Their visit coincided with a campaign stop for Senator John Edwards, who when asked by Women of the Storm Founder Anne Milling whether he would endorse their application to host a 2008 presidential debate in New Orleans, answered with a definitive “Yes.” These New Orleans leaders later participated in various local radio and TV shows, in addition to two discussions moderated by Aspen Institute President Walter Isaacson, that focused on the state of New Orleans two years after the storm and examined how universities, local business and cutting edge nonprofits are working together in innovative and creative ways to rebuild the city. These leaders talked about the importance of coastal restoration, the educational revolution that is taking place within the city’s public schools, the role of arts and culture in the city’s rebirth, and the incredibly exciting environment that has attracted thousands of volunteers, of all ages, from all over the world.
The FONO Benefit dinner and discussion attendees included corporate CEOs, heads of foundations, major donors and government leaders such as former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Secretary Albright told the audience how moved and inspired she was by the passion and strength of a New Orleans’ mother she met who went back to rebuild her neighborhood despite all the challenges. Rev. Kevin Wildes, president of Loyola University and Friends of New Orleans board member said, "This has been a citizen driven recovery. The higher education community and its students are participating in a unique experience, that is, they are a part of something larger than themselves because they are helping others rebuild their lives." Phyllis Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Energy and New Orleans philanthropist explained how the city had become “a testing ground for revitalization and rebuilding of communities after a disaster. As the city’s most passionate ambassador, she urged everyone to visit and experience the beauty, history and rich culture that makes the city so unique.
New Orleans nonprofits are doing unprecedented work through projects that have become models for the city and the rest of country to follow. Sally Perry, Executive Director of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute (NOCCA), described how they are incorporating academics in their innovative arts training program. NOCCA graduates include Winton and Branford Marsalis, and Harry Connick Jr. among others. Beth Galante, director of Global Green’s New Orleans program, funded in part by Brad Pitt, explained their ground breaking project for sustainable, and affordable, development through green building and smart growth, in addition to the success of their “Green Schools” program which has already shown improves student learning. Matt Petersen, CEO of Global Green USA reiterated the organization’s commitment to New Orleans stating that the rebuilding of the city provides a unique opportunity to export green building knowledge and creativity throughout the entire United States.
King Milling, President of the Whitney National Bank and Chair of America’s Wetland Campaign, stunned the audience when he explained how a chunk of land the size of Delaware was lost to coastal erosion due to the massive leveeing of the great Mississippi River. Polish journalist and writer, Andrzej Lubowski, said, “Memories of most tragedies fade with time, and what happened frequently loses relevance for those unaffected on a daily basis. This discussion raised awareness that failure to save New Orleans would carry a gigantic price to the nation's economy, including its ability to function, well beyond what most of our fellow citizens comprehend.”
Walter Isaacson closed the discussion by asking people across the United States to do three things: 1) go visit New Orleans and see for yourself; 2) join an advocacy group such as Friends of New Orleans; and 3) donate money to local organizations that are leading the recovery effort.
New Orleans nonprofits are doing unprecedented work through projects that have become models for the city and the rest of country to follow. Sally Perry, Executive Director of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute (NOCCA), described how they are incorporating academics in their innovative arts training program. NOCCA graduates include Winton and Branford Marsalis, and Harry Connick Jr. among others. Beth Galante, director of Global Green’s New Orleans program, funded in part by Brad Pitt, explained their ground breaking project for sustainable, and affordable, development through green building and smart growth, in addition to the success of their “Green Schools” program which has already shown improves student learning. Matt Petersen, CEO of Global Green USA reiterated the organization’s commitment to New Orleans stating that the rebuilding of the city provides a unique opportunity to export green building knowledge and creativity throughout the entire United States.
King Milling, President of the Whitney National Bank and Chair of America’s Wetland Campaign, stunned the audience when he explained how a chunk of land the size of Delaware was lost to coastal erosion due to the massive leveeing of the great Mississippi River. Polish journalist and writer, Andrzej Lubowski, said, “Memories of most tragedies fade with time, and what happened frequently loses relevance for those unaffected on a daily basis. This discussion raised awareness that failure to save New Orleans would carry a gigantic price to the nation's economy, including its ability to function, well beyond what most of our fellow citizens comprehend.”
Walter Isaacson closed the discussion by asking people across the United States to do three things: 1) go visit New Orleans and see for yourself; 2) join an advocacy group such as Friends of New Orleans; and 3) donate money to local organizations that are leading the recovery effort.
