United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) and area businesses celebrated the $1.7 million raised for Northwest Louisiana programs on March 20 at the organization’s annual event, Tails and Ales: A Celebration of Impact.
The event celebrates an impact value of nearly ten million for our community, helping more than 70,000 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. Because they live and breathe our mission, we are able to deepen our impact in the community. We are honored 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 Everett Street Jazz, beverages from local breweries, grand 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 Sonja Bailes-Bain, Public Relations Liaison for Bossier Parish Schools, as she has strengthened the connection between the schools and community by her compassion, dedication, and tireless efforts that have enriched the lives of students, educators, and the entire community. 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 Andrew Crawford and Grant Nuckolls, 2024.
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
Sonja Bailes-Bain, Bossier Parish Schools
Recognizes individuals who have contributed to the community and UWNWLA through leadership, campaign, or other volunteer efforts.
CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR AWARD
Williams Companies
Goes to the company that raised the most campaign dollars.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Catina Sweet
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.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Sarah Hardin, Williams Companies
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.
