Oct 18, 2011
In celebration of its 25th Anniversary this year, the Young Leadership Council (YLC) is once again leaving its mark on the community and launching a major initiative to revamp five area NORD playgrounds – one in each district of New Orleans. Starting this Saturday, Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., YLC board members will lead volunteers in the park revitalization project for the next five consecutive Saturdays.
“The YLC is observing an important anniversary this year and we wanted to leave a bigger mark on the community that really shows the overall mission of the organization,” said Joseph I. Giarrusso III, president of the YLC. “We believe this project achieves our twin goals of improving quality of life for the community and developing leadership skills of our members through community service projects.”
When the projects are complete, five of the city’s playgrounds will boast major improvements including new trees, striped basketball courts with new nets on the baskets, cleaner play areas and freshly painted fences, garbage cans, tables and benches. The YLC selected the parks in coordination with the city of New Orleans through the Mayor’s ServeNOLA program. Hike for KaTREEna is also supporting the effort by advising the YLC project leaders about plantings. In turn, the YLC is getting trees for the project through Hike for KaTREEna.
The YLC is encouraging all of its member-volunteers to sign up for at least one service day and is extending the invitation to any member of the community interested in participating as well. Anyone interested should sign up with the appropriate captain(s). The YLC will provide water and snacks for the volunteers. Service days will take place at the following dates and
playgrounds:
*October 22 – District C: St. Patrick Park
Co-captains: Warren Surcouf and Alyssa Wenck
Contact: lsu5237@gmail.com
*October 29 – District A: Avenger Playground
Captain: Semmes Walmsley
Contact: semmes.walmsley@gmail.com
*November 5 – District D: Schabel Playspot
Captain: Kenneth Polite
Contact: kennethpolite@gmail.com
*November 12 – District B: Soraparu Playspot
Co-captains: Amy Walters and Chrissy Sheets
Contact: awalters@laporte.com
*November 19 – District E: Werner Playspot
Co-captains: Stephen Pate and Askala Harris
Contact: Stephen.pate@saints.nfl.com
In addition to leaving a mark on the community, over the past 25 years the
YLC has provided an opportunity for emerging young professionals in the city
to develop their leadership skills through the creation and implementation
of projects, meet other young professionals with similar goals and establish
connections with city and community leaders.
For more information about the YLC, please contact the YLC at (504) 585-1500
or visit www.youngleadershipcouncil.org