“TREEmendous” Organizations In Our Region
This past weekend, we celebrated Earth Day, an annual day dedicated to encouraging conversation and engagement around environmental sustainability.
Stirling Properties is a proud supporter of numerous environmental programs right here in the Gulf South region. Their work is critical to our success and makes our communities—where we live and work—stronger. In addition to corporate support, many of Stirling Properties’ employees and agents give their time and resources to charitable organizations that improve our environment.
So even though Earth Day has come and gone, we would like to spotlight a few organizations that make our region a little greener every day.
SOUL Nola (Sustaining Our Urban Landscape)
SOUL, a project of The Trust For Conservation Innovation, is dedicated to driving a resilient and equitable New Orleans through improving its water systems.
According to SOUL, New Orleans is the most deforested city in the United States. The group believes that a healthy and substantial urban forest is critical to New Orleans’ ability to live harmoniously with stormwater. Like gray infrastructure, such as canals and roads, the urban forest and other forms of green infrastructure must be built at a meaningful scale and properly integrated into the city. SOUL is dedicated to strategically reforesting New Orleans, one neighborhood at a time. This year, volunteers have planted 190 large native trees in the Mid-City and Algiers Point/Old Algiers neighborhoods of New Orleans, and are in a planning phase for additional areas.
Nola Tree Project
The mission of Nola Tree Project is to grow stronger, healthier communities through tree planting, community service, and disaster relief programs. Through initiatives such as Greaux Healthy Kids & Community Orchards, Urban Forestry Program, and Big TREEsy Giveaways, Nola Tree Project aims to improve the quality of life for our neighbors and communities. With the help of numerous volunteers, the organization has planted nearly 40,000 trees throughout the greater New Orleans area.
Friends of Lafitte Greenway
The Lafitte Greenway is a 2.6-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail and green corridor that connects neighborhoods from Armstrong Park to City Park in New Orleans, significantly transforming one of the most historic areas of New Orleans into a multi-use transportation corridor and linear park.
The Greenway includes a 12-foot asphalt path for cyclists and pedestrians, new recreation fields, green space, and landscaping improvements including approximately 500 shade trees, native plant meadows, bioswales and stormwater retention features. The path is fully lit with LED energy-efficient trail lighting and includes curb extensions, signalized high visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps at sidewalk corners, environmental remediation, a crushed stone walking path, and a bicycle and pedestrian roundabout. Friends of Lafitte Greenway plans to launch several new initiatives and projects throughout the Greenway that will include art installations, healthy living events, guided tours, community gardens, and much more. The organization and its members are working diligently to build, program, and promote the linear park as a great public space.
We salute these “TREEmendous” organizations for their contributions to our region. And we look forward to supporting and “growing” with them for many years to come.
#StirlingProud
Marty
Field of Dreams
Earlier this week, The Miracle League Northshore broke ground on its new playing field and facility located at Coquille Parks and Recreation in Covington, Louisiana!
The Miracle League works with mentally and physically disabled children so they can participate in everyday sports. The Northshore division was founded in 2014 to bring The Miracle League to serve the children of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes. Coquille Parks and Recreation donated the land, and after a years-long fundraising campaign, the group is finally ready to start construction of the field.
[wpvideo 55HcnFMe]Currently, the children play on a natural-grass field, but the dirt and grass design of a baseball or soccer field found in a typical youth sports program can be challenging and unsafe to maneuver from a wheelchair or with crutches used by many Miracle League participants.
The new Miracle Field will be a specially constructed surface that uses a cushioned, synthetic turf to accommodate wheelchairs and other walking-assistance devices that, along with appropriate support facilities, is designed specifically for use by children with disabilities.
Gina Lorio, Miracle League’s Executive Director, and Griffin Lennox, Stirling Properties’ Investment Sales Analyst
Stirling Properties selected The Miracle League as the beneficiary of our annual Stirling Olympics fundraiser last year. We were able to raise $28,000 to help fund the new playing field and provide local children with access to a safe playing environment! Stirling Properties’ Investment Sales Analyst, Griffin Lennox, is also an active volunteer with The Miracle League and serves as a “buddy” for participating children to help encourage learning and fun in sports.
The mission of Miracle League of Greater New Orleans and The Miracle League North Shore is to promote the health and well-being of children with disabilities, provide opportunities for non-disabled children to learn about and interact with children with disabilities, and develop community awareness and support for the child athlete with disabilities through organized sports leagues. The vision of the program is to provide any disabled child, regardless of their level of disability, the opportunity to play league games and enjoy the emotional and physical benefits of being part of a team.
#StirlingProud
‘Tis the Season For Giving
For the 5th year, Stirling Properties has participated in the Volunteers of America Christmas Wish project. Employees and agents donated Christmas gifts, food baskets and other essential items to local families across our Gulf South region.
Volunteers of America helps more than 2 million people every year in over 400 communities. The annual Christmas Wish Project helps bring joy and holiday cheer to families and individuals who might not have a Christmas at all. Through Volunteers of America, participating families submit three “wish list” gift items for each individual. Stirling Properties and employees were able to fill every single wish! In all, close to 30 families and more than 49 children, adults and seniors received Christmas gifts. Additionally, each family received a food basket with tasty treats for the holiday season.
Stirling Properties’ Stewardship Committee organized the company-wide event by partnering with Volunteers of America in Greater New Orleans, Greater Baton Rouge, Northwest Louisiana and the Southeast to serve the New Orleans Northshore and Southshore, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport-Bossier City and Mobile communities.
In addition to donating to the Christmas Wish Project, Stirling Properties hosted the second annual Northpark Christmas Bazaar, Bake Sale and Raffle on Friday, November 18th. Local vendors, as well as employees of the Northpark office complex sold crafts, jewelry, ornaments, books, beauty products and many other great gift items.
The Bake Sale and Raffle raised nearly $2,000, which was donated in full to Volunteers of America’s Greater New Orleans’ Christmas Family Program!
Participating in this project is always a great reminder of the true spirit of the Holiday Season – giving and generosity. Stirling Properties is committed to supporting the communities where we live and work, and we will continue to support local nonprofits, community groups and charitable organizations throughout the year and beyond.
Thank you to all of the vendors, donors and shoppers who made this project a huge success. You are all on Santa’s nice list! We hope to see you next year.
For more information about Stirling’s Stewardship Committee, please visit our website or contact us by email at stewardship@stirlingprop.com.
Golf Fore! Good
Stirling Properties hits a hole-in-one
with its Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament
The 16th Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament was held earlier this month at University Club Plantation in Baton Rouge. More than 120 golfers participated in the scramble event and were treated to a great day of food, fun and fellowship—along with a little friendly competition—all for a good cause.
The tournament was a huge success, raising $30,000 for local nonprofit organizations! In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation received $10,000 from the proceeds. The remaining proceeds were distributed to various local charitable causes.
Representatives from Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation and LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation were on hand to receive a check for their contributions. Grady Brame, Executive Vice President of Stirling Properties (and resident golf expert!), presented a check to Todd Stevens, President and CEO of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center; and to Rick Perry, President and CEO of Tiger Athletic Foundation, during an awards celebration and cocktail reception following the tournament.
Todd Stevens, Jimmy Maurin, Grady Brame
What happens on the golf course does not stay on the golf course—here’s a recap of the days’ activities. The 1st Place Low Net was won by Steven Serio, Tyler Marquette, Lance McCardle and Colin O’Flynn. The Low Gross winning team included Paul Geyer, Rick Perry, Grady Brame and Jimmy Maurin. Additional awards were presented for 2nd, 3rd and 4th Low Gross and Low Net as well as 4 Closest to the Hole prizes, Longest Drive, and Highest Gross Score (we won’t name any names!).
A heartfelt thanks to all of our friends and supporters that participated and contributed to the Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament. This event would not be possible without you.
“The 16th Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament was a tremendous success, and we were once again able to donate to worthy nonprofit organizations that are truly making a difference in our communities. We are grateful for the generosity of our tournament sponsors and thank everyone that came out to support us. We hope to see you again next year!” said Brame.
The Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament has contributed more than $184,000 to numerous organizations over the past 16 years, with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center Foundation being the majority beneficiary of proceeds. Since 2004, $117,000 has been donated to the center in support of its cancer research and care-giving efforts.
#StirlingProud
Additional sponsors include Economical Janitorial Supplies, Grass Unlimited, Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors, Robert Refrigeration, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, Thermal Products, Angelos Landscaping, Big Easy Parking Lot Maintenance, Chrestia Staub, Cost Segregation Services, Inc. (CSSI), Gulf South Electric, ITS Fire Alarm Security LLC, Massengale Grounds Management, Netchex Payroll Services, Precision Concrete Cutting of Louisiana, Republic Services, Inc., Star Service Inc., Trimark, Unit Design, Jones Fussell, BH Management Services, CBL & Associates Properties Inc., CSRS, Inc., Malone Roofing, Premier Service Team, Real Estate Tax Group, LLC, River Parish Disposal, LLC, Robert Levis Development, Southeastern Waterproofing, First Bank & Trust, Moran Construction Consultants.
A huge shout out to Fidelity Bank, Brad Jongbloed and his team, for sponsoring lunch.
#LouisianaStrong
This is a challenging time for South Louisiana. Many of our family and friends have experienced unprecedented devastation and loss resulting from disastrous flooding in the area. At least 40,000 homes have been damaged and thirteen people lost their lives.
The historic flooding resulted from record ‘1,000-year’ rainfalls produced from an unusual series of slow-moving thunderstorms that dumped tremendous amounts of water on an isolated area in excess of 30 inches in 48 hours. It was more than rivers and drainage systems could possibly hold.
Though the devastation was severe, we are thankful that the vast majority of South Louisiana is safe. In large part, those of us that have previously flooded were spared, and areas that have never seen flooding before were inundated.
While some are still struggling, conditions are improving. Louisianans are resilient—as we’ve seen time and time again—and efforts are already shifting to recovery and progress. People are returning home, businesses are reopening. Cities and communities that were not directly impacted have the opportunity to pay it forward with relief efforts to assist our neighboring residents in need.
Stirling Properties is directing our energy and resources to our employees and surrounding communities that were affected by the flooding. We’re collecting and distributing emergency assistance supplies and basic needs items for victims, and our team members are volunteering with clean-up and recovery efforts. We’re partnering with many local organizations and have made financial contributions to several nonprofits to assist with relief efforts, as well as providing emergency housing.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people, businesses and communities affected by this horrific event. Stirling Properties is committed to South Louisiana and the surrounding areas, and we will be here to help in the recovery efforts, both short- and long-term.
Thank you to everyone that has reached out to us and offered your support and assistance. We are truly grateful for your generosity.
Stirling Properties Takes the Gold During 2016 Stirling Olympics
Stirling Properties has its own version of the premier sporting event! Employees and agents recently celebrated the 4th Annual Stirling Olympics, an event hosted by the Stirling Stewardship Committee to raise money for charitable causes. The event was a HUGE SUCCESS, raising $57,000 for local nonprofit organizations!
Funds raised benefited The ALD Foundation, which strives to raise awareness and supports the research of Adrenoleukodystroply, a genetically determined neurological disorder that affects young boys between the ages of four and ten, as well as The Miracle League of Greater New Orleans, which works with mentally and physically handicapped children so they can participate in everyday sports. Representatives from each organization were on hand to accept a check for $28,000 each.
With funds from Stirling Olympics, The Miracle League is now one step closer to constructing a new field for its Northshore division, where children will have access to a safe playing environment!
Here are a couple of comments from the recipients:
“Special thank you to Stirling Properties for selecting us as a beneficiary of their Olympics this year. Their contribution to the construction of the new field pushed us over the halfway mark to being fully funded!” -Representative, Miracle League
“Stirling welcomed the Adrenoleukodystrophy Foundation and honored us with extreme generosity. The best I can offer to each employee who outdid themselves is thank you. Going forward, the commitment I have already made is to give in a manner that elicits a similar response. Leading with love and care is the best possible path any of us may traverse. Thank you Stirling.” -David Cry, Founder of The ALD Foundation
Throughout the day, teams battled one another in 10 quirky competitions – Basketball with a Football, Musical Chairs, Separation Anxiety with M&Ms, Junk in the Trunk with Kleenx boxes and ping pong balls, Tick-Tac-Toe, Flashdance Pedometer Race, Hula Hoop Chain, Plinko, Heads Up and Team Relay. Scores were tallied and individual medals were given for each event.
Teams were also awarded medals for top overall, top fundraising, most team spirit, most creative, and best sportsmanship. Events were judged by Chris Roig (Netchex), Caitlin Scanlan (VOA of Greater NO), Christi Zito, Steve Zito (Zito Russell Architects), and Steve Serio (Fishman Haygood law firm).
The Gold Medal overall went to The Walking Dead! Congratulations to Carrie Creel (Team Captain), Beezie Landry, Cyndie Quave, Dominick Constanza, Jill Meeks, Paul Blackwell, Paul Mastio, Rachel Jerkins, Samantha Marshall and Elaine Fullerton.
The Silver Medal was awarded to Wonka’s Wild Things – Chris Abadie (Team Captain), Gaines Seaman, Heather McGowin, Hilary Creamer, Justin Toomey, Carly Plotkin, Rachel Fonseca, Shelley Collins, Jeff Barnes and Saban Sellers.
The Reasonably Eccentric Degenerates took home the Bronze Medal – Marty Mayer (Team Captain), Donna Allsup, Griffin Lennox, Jaime Burchfield, Jeanne Taravella, Johnny Tolson, Mark Salvetti, Peggy Foots, Sabrina Narcisse-Lewis and Robin Day.
At the end of the day, in an effort to raise even more money, the owners participated in a surprising and crazy lip-syncing contest, resulting in an additional $8,500 for the Stewardship Committee. This additional money will be used by the Stewardship Committee to donate to additional nonprofits throughout the year.
A heartfelt thanks to our supporting sponsors, including Richard Price Contracting Company, Brasfield & Gorrie, Fishman Haygood Phelps Walmsley Willis and Swanson, First NBC, Vinson Guard Service, Walker & Dunlop, Adam Ifshin, Arkel Constructors, Associated Building Services, Bellingrath Wealth Management, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, BH Management Services, CBRE, Duplantis Design Group, Fidelity Bank, Gladstone Jones, IBERIABANK, Jake Netterville, Jones Walker, Kean Miller, Kent Design, Longnecker & Associates, Precision Waste Solutions, Regal Construction, Rotolo Consultants, Rozas Ward Architects, Whitney Bank, Zito Russell Architects. Thank you to our in-kind sponsors Whole Foods Market and Panera Bread.
And a big shout-out to the Stirling Stewardship Committee for all their hard work organizing the event and making it happen! You all deserve a round of applause!!
#StirlingProud
