By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Around 150 local residents gathered at the Choice banquet hall Thursday evening to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the St. John United Way.

The evening was dedicated to celebrating the work of the organization in the community over the past four decades and to look forward to what the future holds.

“You can’t talk about the future unless you celebrate the past,” said SJUW Executive Director Trista Brazan.

She went on to explain some of the initiatives the organization is working on at the moment. She said the United Way is currently focusing on programs that strengthen early education in the parish. One such program is the newly instituted Imagination Library.

“We knew the program would make a difference,” she said, adding, “We all benefit from increased services in the community.”

She also said the group is increasing its digital presence with a frequently updated website and a Facebook page.

Brazan also pointed out the St. John United Way’s annual fundraising campaign raised $531,000 this year, a 3 percent increase over last year.

“It’s you who have gotten us to where we are today,” she said.

Before Brazan spoke of the future, however, it truly was time to celebrate the past as the group awarded former Executive Director Dean Torres with the Leadership Award.

Board of Directors Vice President Greg Maurin, during his brief introduction, said he helped broker the deal that brought Torres to the United Way.

“Twelve years ago when we invested in Dean Torres, we got a blue chip stock,” said Maurin. “He was able to get the United Way on firm ground.”

Award in hand, Torres seemed humbled by the moment.

“The trip through the United Way was a very valuable one,” he said. “I was blessed with a lot of good board members. You can’t do it if people aren’t willing to work and make contributions.”

Before and after the program, attendees enjoyed a full buffet and open bar while listening to the Jimmy Jules Band play some oldies.

According to Brazan, attendance at the event exceeded expectations. She said the event may even inspire a new United Way fundraiser.

“This is kind of like a test run to see if there’s interest in a gala,” she said.