Every year, the Tocqueville Society of United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area presents the Alexis de Tocqueville Award to an exceptional recipient who exemplifies generosity and service to the community. On September 24, supporters and members of the society enthusiastically gathered in honor of this year’s recipients, Henry and Karen Coaxum, at the “Alexis de Tocqueville Award Gala” at the historic Roosevelt New Orleans. More than 700 guests attended the gala, which featured Norman Robinson as master of ceremonies.
Henry and Karen are a husband-wife “dynamic duo” restaurateur and philanthropy team. The two were the first couple to be honored as Young Leadership Council Role Models and are active members on several boards focusing on economic development, historic preservation, the arts and health and human services. “Henry and Karen were chosen because of the scope of their selflessness. They exemplify the spirit that is needed to revitalize our community and energize our citizens,” states Tocqueville Society co-chair Flo Schornstein.
In addition to the presentation of the Alexis de Tocqueville Award, three new “LIVE UNITED” honors were bestowed upon the Entergy Corporation, William “Billy” Nungesser and Barbara Turner Windhorst.
United Way of Greater New Orleans has raised over $21 million annually with the help of such exceptionally generous patrons as these honorees. Proceeds benefit health and human service programs in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany and Washington parishes.
