2016 Annual Report
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ANNUAL REPORT 2016 A LETTER FROM LPB A LETTER FROM PRESIDENT & CEO FRIENDS OF LPB BETH COURTNEY 2016 BOARD CHAIR DAN HARE This year the people of Louisiana turned to LPB as a trust- Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting is a nonprofit cor- ed voice in a time of turbulence. Together we weathered the poration operating solely to support the Louisiana Educational flood waters in both North and South Louisiana. LPB shared Television Authority (LPB). Friends of LPB is organized to ad- stories of courage, collected items and delivered aid to those vance the educational and cultural enrichment of all citizens in need. More than 80 public television stations across the and to assist in making the benefits of quality public television country sent materials and supplies for us to distribute. Our available to all the people of Louisiana. The organization is on-air pledge drive included appeals for the teachers and governed by a volunteer board of directors consisting of 28 classrooms that were flooded. We distributed over 2,000 individuals from across the state, with the tremendous support books and we continue to work with early childhood centers of an amazing staff of four employees who perform the day- in the areas of most critical need. Once again LPB continues to-day and often evening operations. its mission of being a safe haven for families while also serv- At the 2016 PBS Annual Meeting, Rose Long, one of our ing as the state’s largest classroom. long-time board members, was honored with the Public In addition to our role in public safety, we remain a place Broadcasting System’s Grassroots Advocacy National Volun- for the public to have civil discourse. We provide ongoing teer of the Year Award for her ongoing support of LPB. Rose coverage of the legislature on Louisiana: the State We’re never missed an opportunity to promote the valuable services In and defended in court our responsibility to broadcast state- of LPB. Long served on the Friends board from 2010–2016, wide debates for public office. Our debate for the United and was Chair of the Legends Gala from 2012-2015. She States Senate took place in Ruston and was widely viewed recently passed away after an incredibly courageous battle on air and online. Citizens participated in our continuing se- with cancer. The world is a much better place because of ries, Louisiana Public Square, debating topics such as Rose, and the people she has touched during her life. the display of Civil War monuments and the latest resources In 2016, over 13,500 viewers like you made contributions available to properly train police officers. We take seriously to the Friends of LPB through a variety of gift opportunities the notion that democracy relies on an educated populace. throughout the course of the year. Each and every gift we re- We celebrated this year with an outstanding group of Loui- ceive makes a difference, now more than ever. We thank you siana Young Heroes who inspire us all with their academic for your continued support and ask that you encourage others achievements, commitment to their local communities, often to support LPB as well. in the face of adversity. Our signature event for the 26th year One of the highlights of the year was the Louisiana Legends was the Louisiana Legends Gala and with gratitude we thank Gala, which since its inception has recognized 128 outstand- the Friends of LPB for their leadership in this extraordinary eve- ing Louisianans for their achievements. Through sponsorships, ning. This year, we began a new tradition with an Evening ticket sales and a wonderful silent auction, this year’s event Concert at the Governor’s Mansion. Zachary Richard showcased the finest examples of our great state’s most valu- shared his musical talents as we celebrated a Christmas con- able resource – our people. Other ways that supporters have cert at the mansion that highlighted our Cajun heritage. He contributed to Friends of LPB included a raffle for a car and a was joined by a talented group of French immersion students raffle for first class airfare tickets to Barcelona. In addition, a whose carols captured the spirit of hope for the New Year. generous gift estate gift was bequeathed to us by one of our Resilience is a trait shared by many of us in Louisiana and this viewers. year, we thank all who helped us weather the challenges as It has been quite a year. Whether it was welcoming fami- we look forward to a bright future. lies to our Daniel Tiger event at Acadian Village in Lafayette, driving a van full of UL alumni volunteers to the LPB studio to man the phones during the premiere of Zachary Richard’s Attakapas: The Cajun Story, or greeting guests at the Governor’s Mansion for the Louisiana Legends reception, I have done it with pride in the organization that I serve, the many great Friends of LPB and viewers like you. 2 • LPB ANNUAL REPORT | 2016 A LETTER FROM A LETTER FROM FOUNDATION FOR LOUISIANA Educational EXCELLENCE IN TELEVISION AUTHORITY LOUISIANA PUBLIC BOARD CHAIR BROADCASTING GWEN Carter BOARD CHAIR CHARLES SPENCER The Foundation for Excellence in Louisiana Public Broadcast- As Chair of the Louisiana Educational Television Authority ing began its 25th year of existence in 2016 for the exclusive Board, I see the legacy of the past 40 years as a prelude to purposes of promoting, developing, enhancing and assisting the next 40 and more years. We will strive to keep our com- public television in the State of Louisiana. All of its efforts are mitment of broadcasting the highest quality programs and ed- directed to financially support Louisiana Public Broadcasting ucational outreach our viewers expect from Louisiana Public through an endowment which the Foundation created and Broadcasting. administers. Challenges to LPB’s ability to stay on air continue to arise at the state and federal levels. Without funding for public tele- vision, LPB would not have sufficient funds to acquire much of the award-winning programming which Louisiana view- ers love to watch nor the transmitters and other equipment to broadcast it. Funds available from endowment earnings play a vital role in this difficult environment to assist LPB in carrying FRIENDS OF LPB BOARD out its mission of providing outstanding educational programs throughout Louisiana. Dan Hare, Chairman The individuals who compose the Foundation’s Board of Bill Blackwood, Vice-Chairman Trustees are dedicated to providing strong financial support John Denison, Treasurer for LPB’s present and future operations. They are ably assisted Rae Vasquez, Secretary by its investment advisor, The J.K. Meek Group at Graystone Donna Ewing, Immediate Past Chairman Consulting, which was selected in 2010 through a highly- LOUISIANA EDUCATIONAL competitive national search and has performed well during TELEVISION AUTHORITY BOARD these challenging economic times. Cheri Ausberry We encourage each viewer who enjoys LPB’s excellent pro- Gwen Carter, Chairperson Patricia Cran gramming to financially contribute through annual giving, as Kathy Kliebert, Vice-Chairperson Sloan Deumite well as planned giving, to help make this 25th year of the Scott Richard, Secretary Bob Emmert Foundation truly meaningful. Let’s all work together for the Dr. William Weldon, Treasurer Sally Fenet good of LPB, and that of our state! Chris Goudeau, Immediate Past Jennifer Forest Chairperson Marshall Sommers-Gunn Joey Haddad Wayne O. Berry Seth Irby David J. Bondy Martha Juban Valencia Burton Anne Kennedy Fr. James C. Carter Robert Levy Julie Cherry Laura Lindsay Eartha Cross Sondra Mott Long FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE IN LOUISIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD Barbara Decuir Bettsie Baker Miller Nikki Godfrey Willie Mount Charles Spencer, Chair Gwen Guillotte Peggy Murphy Mary Joseph, Secretary Dan Hare, Friends of LPB Jodi Rives Dudley Coates, Treasurer Representative Jamie Schlottman Sally Clausen Glenn V. Kinsey Carol Shadoin Rose Hudson Jada Lewis Harrison Smith H. Alston Johnson III Samuel “Lee” Meredith Amy Temple Frank McArthur Deano Thornton Sue Weaver Darrel Papillion Lee B. “Tee” Wheeler Ann Wilkinson 3 • LPB ANNUAL REPORT | 2016 OUTREACH At Louisiana Public Broadcasting we love to venture out In July and September, LPB Senior Producer Kevin Gau- into the community and meet our viewers! Throughout the treaux talked to the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory year, LPB hosts film screenings, events for parents and chil- Council (LYAC) at the State Capitol about our monthly LPB dren, and information fairs that serve to inform the public. “town talk” series, Louisiana Public Square, with approx- Here are some our outreach activities in 2016: imately 45 in attendance. We feel it is important to connect In March, former LSU Baseball Coach Skip Bertman, with young adults who are engaged in their communities. Southern University Baseball Coach Roger Cador, and LPB’s In May, the Louisiana Public Square topic of discus- Charlie Whinham discussed the social impact of Jackie Robin- sion was Louisiana Veterans Coming Home. The show son’s life and career. The next week, Whinham headed north brought together panelists and audience members that includ- to the Eddie Robinson Museum where he and retired Gram- ed veterans from different branches of the armed forces, as bling Baseball coach Wilbert Ellis hosted a screening and well as civilians and sought to provide outreach and support discussion at Grambling State University. Panelists included for returning post-9/11 soldiers. LPB hosted a screening event former major leaguers Ralph Garr, George Stone, and Mack- of the show’s broadcast with 16 exhibiting organizations in- ie Freeze, and former sports writer Paul Letlow. Everyone in cluding “Team Red, White & Blue” and the Natural Resources attendance enjoyed an exclusive first look at the powerful Conservation Service with its “Homegrown by Heroes” pro- documentary, Jackie Robinson, received door prizes, and gram.