On November 19, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, The Tocqueville Society of United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) held its annual gala honoring some of the community’s most outstanding philanthropists. This year’s recipient of UWSELA’s highest honor, The Alexis de Tocqueville Award, was proudly presented to John Hollowell, Executive Vice President of Deep Water Shell Energy Resources Company, for exemplary leadership in community volunteerism and philanthropy.
Hollowell represents a new breed of corporate philanthropist. He is a cheerleader “for good” and going the extra mile. Wielding a hammer at a home rebuild for a senior citizen, dressing like John Wayne to lasso new supporters or dancing for donations dressed as a Blues Brother, Hollowell relishes his role. He is also UWSELA’s immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees and a former Campaign Chair. Due to his commitment to community, Shell and its employees donate over $1 million annually to United Way to help make our region a better place to live, work and raise our families.
This year, Hollowell was all about “unfussy fun,” so gala guests donned their best Western chic attire and kicked their heels up to live country tunes by Gal Holiday and The Honky Tonk Revue. Hollowell won the Baddest Boots contest, which meant he had the privilege of leading the line dancing to show others how it’s done.
Flo Schornstein with husband Richard, Alexis Hocevar and Cathy McRae served as Gala Co-Chairs.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Alexis de Tocqueville Award Celebration” benefiting United Way of Southeast Louisiana
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel
