Director Kicks Off National Park Week

Director Fran Mainella visited New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park on Saturday, April 22nd, to honor and recognize volunteers who have contributed greatly to the culture of New Orleans.  The organizations recognized, particularly those who volunteer their service toward accomplishing these missions, are not only preserving but restoring the cultural fabric of this city. 

The Take Pride in America event at the park's visitor center demonstrated the great strides these organizations have made since the dark days of last September.  Without these volunteers recognized this day, who represent the many volunteers not here, there would be no French Quarter Festival, no celebration, no progress, no hope.
Working together, these volunteers helped not only our national parks here in New Orleans, but also reached out into the neighborhoods to assure that they retain their character, that schools have music instruments, that traditions and history are not forgotten, and that children take pride in their cultural heritage and the diverse heritage of their city.

The highlight of the ceremony featured the awarding by Director Mainella, on behalf of President Bush, of the Presidential Award, reserved for volunteers who have dedicated more than 4000 hours of lifetime public service, to Bob and Joy Foy, who have earned both awards by each volunteering over 8000 lifetime hours.  During the past several years the Foys have volunteered at all the local organizations represented at the event.  When displaced to Texas by Hurricane Katrina they dedicated several weeks time to the South Texas American Red Cross.  As soon as they were able to return to New Orleans the Foys set about volunteering in the community and the parks, helping to restore the cultural fabric of New Orleans.  They were instrumental in helping Jean LaFitte NHP have a successful  Battle of New Orleans celebration and in bringing New Orleans Jazz NHP visitor center back to life.