(Shreveport, LA) – United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) and area businesses celebrated the $1.9 million raised for Northwest Louisiana programs on March 7 at the organization’s annual event, Tails and Ales: A Celebration of Impact. Sponsored by Margaritaville Resort Casino, Raymond James, Liberty Energy, Prolec GE, ANECA Federal Credit Union, Frymaster, First Guaranty Bank, and Eagle Distributing Shreveport, the event celebrates an impact value of nearly ten million for our community, helping more than 100,000 lives. Allocations of the funds are made to UWNWLA programs and nonprofit services that work to serve ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) citizens.

UWNWLA’s largest fundraising initiative is its annual campaign, where UWNWLA partners with companies to conduct workplace fundraisers. Campaigns allow employees to give back each year and connect to causes they care about. While this is a major source of revenue for the organization, Tails & Ales honors the hundreds of businesses and organizations that implement change in our community through not only workplace campaigns but also volunteer engagement and advocacy.

“Part of a true United Way Campaign goes beyond the pledge form,” said UWNWLA President & CEO LaToria W. Thomas. “We are grateful to have supporters who truly know what it means to Live United and embody the United Way spirit through their advocacy, volunteerism, and support. They preach, live, and breathe our mission and are the reason for our success. We are honored and eager to celebrate them every year.” 

Tails and Ales took place at Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City in its Paradise Theater, where attendees enjoyed a seafood boil, live music by Professor Porkchop and the Dirty Dishes, beverages from local breweries, cornhole, raffle prizes, and a program recognizing honorees, including the recipient of the distinguished Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award. The Clyde E. Fant Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the community and UWNWLA through leadership, campaign, or other volunteer efforts. This year, UWNWLA honored Grant Nuckolls and Andrew Crawford, co-owners of Cuban Liquor, for the significant impact they made through their Rare Whisky Raffle, which raised $28,000 for UWNWLA’s education program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award has been awarded to community philanthropists since 1949. Former recipients include Virginia K. Shehee, 1975, Mary Ann Selber, 2001, and Jaf Fielder, 2023.  

UWNWLA fights for the health, education, financial stability, and essential needs of everyone in its ten-parish footprint and is honored to recognize those who mobilize its mission.

TAILS & ALES: A CELEBRATION OF IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENTS

CLYDE E. FANT MEMORIAL AWARD

Grant Nuckolls and Andrew Crawford, Cuban Liquor

Recognizes individuals who have contributed to the community and UWNWLA through leadership, campaign, or other volunteer efforts.

TOP CAMPAIGN AWARD

Williams Companies

Goes to the company that raised the most campaign dollars.

LIFE OF THE PARTY

International Paper, Red River Mill

Recognizes a company that encourages its employees to give by hosting exciting events that support their workplace campaign. The recipient of this award does so with creativity and originality.

LIVE UNITED

Bossier Parish Libraries

Recognizes a company that has adopted the spirit of UWNWLA within its organization by engaging in charitable giving, advocacy, and volunteerism.

MOVERS & SHAKERS AWARD

McElroy Metal

Company with the largest percentage of increase from the previous year.

SERVANT’S HEART AWARD (INDIVIDUAL)

Paige Lasyone

Recognizes a person who takes on the true spirit of volunteerism by enthusiastically giving their time and service to make their community a better place.

SERVANT’S HEART AWARD (COMPANIES)

AETNA & KSLA NEWS 12

Recognizes companies that take on the true spirit of volunteerism by enthusiastically giving their time and service to make their community a better place.

OUTSTANDING AMBASSADOR

Waynesha Hall, Enterprise Holdings

Recognizes a company’s campaign ambassador for their hard work and dedication to the UWNWLA campaign while also going above and beyond to strengthen the relationship between UWNWLA and the company.

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Bayou State Oil

Recognizes the company that had the highest employee participation in their workplace campaign.

LIFETIME SUPPORTER AWARD

Craig & Judy Storer, Storer Services

The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, dedication, and contribution to United Way NWLA over an extended period of time. 

COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARDS

American Red Cross & SPAR

Given in deep appreciation for their unwavering dedication, exemplary collaboration, and outstanding contributions to our community. 

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