[StBernard] Voices of Louisiana of Chalmette raises $2, 000 for scholarship fund

[Westley Annis]

Voices of Louisiana of Chalmette raises $2,000 for scholarship fund
Print Annette Phillips By Annette Phillips 
on February 06, 2014 at 6:41 AM, updated February 06, 2014 at 6:44 AM

The Voices of Louisiana's Foundation, based in Chalmette, hosted its annual
bunco fund-raiser Jan. 31, which marked the beginning of the Chinese New
Year. "We decided to incorporate it into a theme, and participants were
encouraged to dress the part," Ronda Deforest, educator and Voices
Foundation board member, said.

About $2,000 was raised. Proceeds from admission, and product sales will
benefit its scholarship program. The foundation, a non-profit organization,
gathers stories and histories to present through theatrical productions and
educational programs. The organization also works to preserve the culture of
St. Bernard Parish and the surrounding areas.

Once a year the Voices Foundation provides scholarships to high school
seniors from St. Bernard and St. Tammany parishes.

"This is the third bunco scholarship fund-raiser, but the first time we held
the event in St. Tammany Parish," Deforest said. "It was our largest and
most profitable fund-raiser yet. There were many St. Bernardians in
attendance, too."

Cash prizes were awarded to winners, and there was a prize for the biggest
loser, too. The organization provided refreshments, food, and lots of fun
for participants. "Local restaurants donated food, and gift certificates for
prizes," she said. "At about one hundred players, it was a raucous, and
rowdy event. The people were awesome and incredibly generous."

The bunco event isn't the only fund-raising event for the scholarship
program.

The Voices of Louisiana has put on theatrical plays in the past, and created
a local cookbook. Recently, the organization partnered with the St. Bernard
Art Guild, whose local artists painted scenes of the parish on donated
chairs. The chairs were auctioned off through Gulf Coast Bank.

The scholarships are awarded to students who show an interest in the arts.
"High school seniors must be preparing to enter college or another
educational institute to pursue a career in the arts." DeForest said.  

To be eligible students must excel at either art, music, drama, design,
television production, public speaking or culinary arts.

Scholarships were set up in memory of two beloved friends of the foundation,
Milton Sand, a Chalmette High School alum, self-taught artist, and founder
of Sand Graphic and Design; and Rita Stockstill-O'Sullivan, a St. Tammany
Parish teacher, director, and mentor.

"Both of these talented people, encouraged and inspired young artists. The
memorial scholarships help their legacy live on in the lives of our young
people," Deforest said.

The deadline for the 2014 applications is March 31. Applications can be
downloaded from the Voices of Louisiana website, and must include the
student's most recent high school transcript. The application and transcript
can be mailed to The Voices Foundation care of Barry Lemoine at 821 Angela
Avenue, Arabi, LA 70032.

Annette writes about people, places, and events in Chalmette. Send stories
to Annette at chalmettematterstp at gmail.com or call 250.6248.