What unique perspective do you bring to LCEF?

I guess if you combine the work I’ve performed for the past 20+ years as a fundraiser and administrator, then add my last four years in the healthcare industry, you would find a unique blend of experience. I’ve worked with large and small nonprofits, as a consultant, and have worked in partnership with many organizations at the private, corporate and public levels. I have watched LCEF grow through the years. Back in 2005, when Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu created the organization, I was so drawn to the concept of pulling together the sector to look at its economic impact. I firmly believe that our cultural economy is THE driver for a strong future and look forward to building partnerships that include culture at the table for strategic planning.

Tell us what some of your first duties as LCEF CEO will be.

LCEF is an organization with a lot going on! After a brief orientation period, I look forward to traveling to diverse parts of the state to explore potential partnerships to encourage best uses for LCEF funds, and to seek relationships with potential funders. At the same time, we’re going to be looking for a larger office space so that our outstanding staff will all have space to work. And how lucky is it that I’m starting right before La Fete? This fundraising event is very important to our work and I’ll be promoting it wherever I go. Of course, I’m also excited to work with our consultants, Board and staff to complete LCEF’s Strategic Plan. This is going to be a visionary guide to our future and an excellent tool to illustrate our plans for local, regional and national foundations.

We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for our 2011 LCEF-EOF grant round. If you plan to apply for a LCEF-EOF grant, we recommend familiarizing yourself with our guidelines to understand the purpose of the grant and to get tips on writing a successful grant application. The Frequently Asked Questions is also very helpful. If you still have questions after you’ve read through everything, feel free to give us a call at 504-895-2800.

The deadline for all submissions is October 7, 2011 5pm CST.

The Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation Healthcare Initiative is now offering behavioral health services. These new services are made possible through a generous grant from Foundation for the Mid South. If you feel you could benefit from these services, please contact Healthcare Initiative Director, Kathy Richard, or Julie Olivier at their new phone number: 337-366-8970.

Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells that causes the bone marrow to produce a large number of abnormal white blood cells which don’t function properly. Leukemia symptoms are often vague and not specific to the disease. Symptoms are often overlooked because they may resemble those of the flu and other common illnesses.

Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression or anxiety. Along with depressive states, a person with bipolarism will also have manic episodes. A correct diagnosis is vital for proper treatment.

To help you figure out if you are depressed or bipolar, take this test.

For more information visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.

LCEF-HI is offering free lung cancer screenings for Acadiana musicians with funding provided by Benefit the Boogie.

Benefit the Boogie is an annual fundraiser that offers information about lung cancer and raises money to provide lung cancer screenings for Acadiana area musicians. The mission of Benefit the Boogie is to provide funds that will eliminate financial barriers between members of the local musical community and access to lung cancer information and screening tests, and also to create greater awareness of the risks musicians face to their health through workplace exposure to second hand smoke, with an emphasis on lung cancer risk factors, education, and early detection.

The screenings are ongoing and require an appointment. If you are a musician in the Acadiana area and you would like to schedule an appointment or get more information, contact LCEF-HI at 337-366-8970 and ask for Kathy or Julie, or email assist@culturaleconomy.org.