Summer is here, and United Way beat the heat on June 5th by kicking off the 2007-2008 Campaign Season at Zephyr Stadium, where the New Orleans Z’s beat the Salt Lake City Bees.  Despite a slight rain delay, common during New Orleans summers, United Way supporters enjoyed Baseball for a Buck and “Tasty Tuesday” Hot Dogs. 

New Orleans Native and Celebrated Trumpet Player, Shamarr Allen, played the National Anthem.  Allen, in addition to his own band The Underdawgs, has performed with some of New Orleans greatest musicians including ReBirth Brass Band, Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr, Bob French, The New Orleans Social Club, The Hot 8 Brass Band and more.  For more information about this talented artist, please visit www.shamarrallen.com.

Frank Glaviano, the 2007 Campaign Chairman and V.P. of Shell Exploration and Production, successfully threw out the first pitch and later gave away $50 Shell Gas Cards to five lucky United Way and Zephyrs supporters.

One lucky United Way contributor, Henry Breaux, also won a brand new Honda ‘FIT’ thanks to Royal Honda.

“This will match the other Honda in my family!” exclaimed Breaux after winning the grand-prize.

In addition to hosting United Way’s Kick-Off Event, the Zephyrs also held their 9th Annual Golf Celebrity Classic on June 19 at the Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans.  The event featured the Zephyrs’ general manager, coaches, and players.  All proceeds went to Zephyr Charities, including United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area.  Staff members representing United Way in the tournament included Rodney Breaux, Bill Campbell, and Al Sassone.

United Way would like to thank all of its generous volunteers, contributors, and staff for supporting the organization’s efforts in the New Orleans Community as we continue to recover from Hurricane Katrina. 

View pictures from our Kickoff here!

View pictures from the Golf Tournament here!