Back in 1995, concerned citizens banded together to found the New Orleans Police Foundation in order to raise funds for a number of New Orleans Police Department programs. In 2003, the group expanded its role to help the city’s criminal justice system, and in 2006 the name changed to the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation. Today, it’s more critical than ever that this group helps the city’s security and justice support systems, which were crippled after Hurricane Katrina.
On Nov. 29, the foundation hosted a fund-raiser at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. Nearly 350 guests attended the luncheon, which was catered by the hotel. The event started off patriotically with Irvin Mayfield playing the national anthem on his trumpet. Event chair Elizabeth Boh introduced the guest speaker, Kenneth Feinberg, who served as Special Master of the 9/11 Victim’s Fund. NOPD Chief Warren Riley introduced the recipient of the Chief Award, for service to the foundation, as Anderson Cooper of CNN. Cooper was unable to attend because he was on a last-minute assignment, but the award was warmly received by Susan Roesgen of CNN’s New Orleans bureau. WWL-TV/Channel 4’s Dennis Woltering served as the Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon.
Approximately $180,000 was raised through sponsorships and ticket sales. These monies will go to the foundation, which in turn supports such NOPD and city justice system programs concerning housing and recruiting, the Orleans Parish Justice System Advocacy and Reform, Cops for Kids, Walk the Beat, College Tuition Program and Bullet Proof Vest funds.
Kenneth Feinberg, event chair Elizabeth Boh and Frank Glaviano
Ryan Berg and Kurt Weigle
Irvin Mayfield, Lisa Schwartz and David Oestreicher
Cynthia Molyneux, Bob Stellingworth and Tiffany Oestreicher
Kevin Anderson and Karen Birdall
Elodia M. Blanco and New Orleans Police Chief Warren Riley
