Love Your City Awards Gala Benefits Over 500 Local Families in Need

Virtual event recognizes organizations using business models as force for good amid COVID-19 Pandemic 

New Orleans, LA - On Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, LifeCity and the Regional Sustainability Committee recognized local businesses and organizations for their environment and social impact achievements at the ninth annual Love Your City Awards Gala, moved to a virtual format this year as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Sponsored by Batture, the program featured remarks by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Councilmember Kristen Palmer with a closing performance by Tank and the Bangas.

LifeCity Founder and CEO Liz Shephard said, “We’re overwhelmed by how the New Orleans community has come together in such a beautiful way, in the middle of a pandemic, to help those in need.”

LifeCity recognized local organizations for their leadership in 10 impact categories: health, food access, transportation, local culture, energy, water management, housing and built environment, equity, pollution prevention and education. This year’s award recipients are as follows:

·       Transportation Award: Online Optimism

·       Resource Management Award: Glass Half Full

·       Stormwater Management Award: Dillard University

·       Food Award: Top Box Foods

·       Equity Award: Einstein Charter Schools

·       Local Culture Award: Happy Raptor Distilling

·       Education Award: EdNavigator

·       Health Award: American Heart Association

·       Housing Award: Urban Focus

·       Energy Award: Shibusa Systems

·       People’s Choice Award: Magnolia Physical Therapy

·       Youth Pick Award: New Orleans Youth Alliance (NOYA)

·       Best In Show: Healthy Community Services

The virtual event featured live music from local artists, including Rising Appalachia, The Iguanas and Margie Perez, among others. The Love Your City Award Gala supported Black-owned New Orleans restaurants, delivering event attendees dinner from Addis Ethiopian Kitchen and Beaucoup Eats. All ticket proceeds contributed to feeding families in need with healthy foods, surpassing the goal of feeding 500 families.

The Love Your City Awards is a part of the Love Your City Initiative, led by LifeCity, that supports the development of the impact economy and growth of for-benefit organizations in Louisiana.