UPDATED: Young Foundation is SLCC's Benefactor of Year

South Louisiana Community College’s leaders praised the Hugh and Byrnes Young Foundation’s contributions over the last 20 years. But the contributions started before that — half a century before.
The SLCC Foundation recognized the Young Foundation as its Benefactor of the Year on Thursday at Young Memorial, citing $5 million in gifts to the technical college and fledgling community college since 1999. At the lectern, Young Foundation board member Brenda Ayo talked about contributions by the Youngs that go back to 1955, including the land for Morgan City Cemetery.
And in her words there was a challenge.
“I’m asking you to remember your own commitment to Morgan City,” Ayo said.
The contributions to Young Memorial, which officially became part of the SLCC System last year, included the land for the school’s Marine Safety and Training Center.
“It was just a no-brainer to recognize the H&B Young Foundation this way,” SLCC Chancellor Natalie Harder said.
For the larger community, the foundation’s contributions have amounted to $17 million since 1999.
Among them:
—Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi said the Young Foundation has contributed $1,475,016 to the city since he took office in 2013.
—Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District Director Raymond “Mac” Wade said the foundation’s help made possible a 1990 expansion that in turn allowed the area to keep Intermoor and a U.S. Coast Guard station.
“They do a lot more than just hand out money,” Wade said. “They’ve partnered with us.”
—Morgan City High Principal Mickey Fabre said the foundation was important in the school’s standing from a run-of-the-mill two stars under the old rating system in 2013 to an A school under the new system.
The foundation offers seven scholarships each year, and 24 Morgan City High recipients are currently in college, Fabre said. The foundation has also helped students apply to college or receive industry certification.
—Sandra Nolan said the foundation came up with a 15-passenger van that meant Morgan City Youth Center participants don’t have to walk home in the dark or the rain. When the 4-year-old program grew and the van wasn’t big enough, the foundation helped arrange for a bus.
Each year, the foundation makes sure the participants have a Christmas party and a Christmas present, Nolan said. And Young Memorial provided space for the program’s move from Morgan City High.
“Our children walk through the doors of a college every day,” Nolan said. “They see how and why it works. They see what goes on.”
—Scholarship recipient Hanisha Gabriel thanked the foundation for helping her go to SLCC.
—Brenda Liner of St. Mary Outreach said the foundation helps provide emergency food and other assistance to parish residents in need.
“I know that if someone comes in needing assistance beyond what we can do, I can call one of them,” Liner said.