Bastion knows that through community care, we’ll sustain recovery from the wounds of war. The nonprofit organization has built America’s first intentional community for warriors and families that need a stronghold and is currently developing a $2 million campaign to fully recognize the vision of providing home to 78 returning warriors and their families. Phase 1 is well underway, with five households already filled.
Palate New Orleans Catering provided an array of passed hors d’oeuvres. An impressive selection of libations flowed generously throughout the evening.
Event Chairs were Louis and Courtney Freeman and James and Erica Reiss; 160 guests attended.
Founder of Bastion, Dylan Tête, delivered a heartfelt speech to iterate Bastion’s mission and the importance of communities working together. “With community you can create purpose, a sense of belonging and connectedness. That’s a prescription that no health system can fill, and yet these things are essential to the reintegration of returning warriors and families.” Tête described the structure of Bastion, which consists of 78 apartments (39 double family homes) spread across five-and-a-half acres, including a lawn for restoration and a Wellness Center for health and education programs. What is less obvious, however, is that each resident gives six hours of service to further invest in their community. “You see, we believe that just because your uniformed service may be over, service to your community never ends. What can be more American than that?”
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: “Building Bastion Cocktail Celebration,” benefiting Bastion
When: Thursday, March 9
Where: Home of Courtney and Louis Freeman
