On Dec. 21, 1992, the Louisiana Secretary of State recognized the incorporation of the Louisiana Child Caring Foundation — the entity that eventually became the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.
In recognition of our 25th anniversary, we’re catching up with grantees, starting with our 23 classes of Angel Award honorees.
Cory Howat has spent his career to working for nonprofits. After years of volunteering and working at nonprofits, Howat became the executive director of the New Orleans chapter of Boys Hope Girls Hope. He oversaw the removal of multiple at-risk children from troubled and broken homes, and placed them in a safe environment to prosper and mature into successful high-school and college graduates.
It’s true that one person makes a difference, especially when individuals come together, Howat said.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the chapter’s houses for the children. Howat led the organization’s children and got them into a safe temporary home.
While the organization was in the process of rebuilding, Howat was honored as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Angel. He used the grant to help fund the rebuilding of the nonprofit’s homes that were lost in Hurricane Katrina.
When Howat first received the award, he said he didn’t understand that it was more than just an award.
“The award is more than just the glass trophy. The real award is the relationships you get to build,” Howat said. “You get entered into a family of people who want to change Louisiana”.
Howat is currently the Director of the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The foundation helps feed the poor and support the spiritual needs of the community.