PINEVILLE, La. – Today, Cleco honored central Louisiana veterans with a luncheon and program while raising funds for Folds of Honor.

Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members.  Cleco selected Folds of Honor as the recipient for funds raised at the luncheon and this year’s Cleco Charitable Golf Tournament, Tee Off for a Cause.  Funds raised from both events will be presented to Folds of Honor in November.    

“The luncheon was a great way to honor veterans across central Louisiana and raise funds to support military families throughout the state,” said Robbie LaBorde, chief operations officer for Cleco. 

“We are humbled and grateful that these events will benefit Folds of Honor recipients in Louisiana,” said Sara Bush, regional representative for Folds of Honor.  “The tremendous fundraising efforts are a reminder to the military families we serve that they are not alone and that Cleco and its supporters deeply appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made for our freedoms.”

Cleco Veterans Luncheon
In support of the luncheon, businesses could purchase individual seats or tables or simply donate to the event.  Participating businesses included AFCO Industries, Inc., Christus Cabrini Hospital, Evangeline Bank and Trust Company, Crest Industries, Great-West Financial, Procter & Gamble, Rapides Regional Health Care, Sam Stokes Nursery and UTLX Manufacturing LLC.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was Wesley Bauguess, a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient and author of “God, Golf, Country: Reflections of an Army Widow.”  Bauguess is the surviving spouse of Major Larry J. Bauguess, United States Army. 

Among the many veterans honored at the luncheon was distinguished soldier, Reed J. Perilloux, a World War II veteran and former principal of Grant High School.

Cleco Charitable Golf Tournament

Tee Off for a Cause, Cleco’s Charitable Golf Tournament, is tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 17, at Oakwing Golf Course in Alexandria, La.  Opening ceremonies begin at 9:15 a.m.  Cleco has sponsored a charitable golf tournament for the past five years and donated the proceeds to various nonprofit organizations whose mission aligns with the company’s strategy and goals.  Previous recipients include Susan G. Komen and Lions Clubs of Louisiana.

Folds of Honor Scholarships

Folds of Honor, founded in 2007, has awarded approximately 24,500 scholarships to family members of fallen and disabled service members in all 50 states.  Spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members are encouraged to apply for a scholarship through Folds of Honor at www.foldsofhonor.org.