to read our newsletter for September to November!

Guardian Angel Gazette
Serving serious and terminally ill children and their families in Louisiana
So this wonderful journey continues for me
as we help more children in the Greater New Orleans area with Angels’ Place. Great news, Mary
Kantlehner, Children’s Program Director, and I are
working with Ochsner Pediatrics now as we start
getting referrals from them. We have increased our
census to 75 children and will be receiving more
clients in the next months. We are looking to work
with Tulane Pediatrics at the start of the new
Mark Firmin, CEO
year.
Executive Director
What an awesome Halloween Booville
Party we had at the Nims Center at Magnolia
Community Services!! Special thanks to Mary McDuff, Recreation
Director, Jennifer Hebert, Executive Director, and the Magnolia Kiwanis Aktion Club for hosting us. I also need to thank Lisa Ross, Laurie Waltzer, Robert Pinero, Lasallian Youth at Archbishop Rummel
High School, the Rummel parent volunteers, Cherie Ducote and the
Mandeville Drama Club, and the several other volunteers that came
out to help. I would like to thank Cathy and Lenny Simmons for helping coordinate the food. And great thanks go out to the volunteers and
leadership at Kiwanis Club of Greater New Orleans, Dawn Buster
Kiwanis, Kiwanis of Third District , and Moisant Kiwanis for their
contributions and help. Thank you to Tye and Jeflyn Mire, Jeanne
Bankston, Russell Zimmerman, Himasa Wijetunge, Jan and Mike
Key and John Michael Eddleman for their help. I think that we all
make a great team. I cannot wait to get the Christmas party going.
Thank you to the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen and their staff with
their owner, Robert Gerhart for the Dining with a Purpose fundraiser.
Robert does that every Tuesday for local non – profits. Please go have
dinner on a Tuesday night. He will have one for Fishing with Angels on
December 1st as well as others for Angels’ Place.
I continue to meet great people that want to help Angels’ Place
and we in need of more help and support. If you know of anyone that I
should speak to or meet, please let us know at the office.
Remember this is one of the toughest times for our families
during this last part of the year with the holidays. There is always a financial strain to take care of a sick child and try to have a good holiday.
The services offered by Angels‘ Place are in place to ease that burden
whenever possible. But we cannot do that with out your continued support. If you can remember our families at this time to make a contribution of any amount or type, it is greatly appreciated.
Part of our services is to provide family strengthening entertaining activities. I am happy to say that Funny Bones Improv will be
coming to entertain our families at the Coolidge Center in November.
We have Angels‘ Place Magnets !!! Do you have one to
place on your car or fridge? We have plenty at the office so feel free
to come get one. We will have Angels‘ Place shirts soon!!!!
I will close with saying that I have been working to get a new
Board of Directors in place and am working on the Advisory Board
next as I keep rebuilding, expanding, and getting word out about Angels‘ Place. Thank you everyone for all of your support. I feel it everyday and it motivates me as we strive to take the best care of our kids and
their families.
September/October/November 2015
It has been a busy few months at
Angels’ Place. We have been out and about
in the community introducing ourselves to
agencies that serve children who are seriously ill, and visiting groups who are willing
to help us. There are so many wonderful people in our community who are willing to assist others. Sometimes while watching
television and listening to the news we are
Mary Kantlehner
left with the impression that everyone is
Children’s Program
Director
out for themselves and it’s all about take,
take, take. Thankfully, in working for Angels’ Place, I see the complete opposite. I see families, who, despite unimaginable circumstances, where their child faces such
horrific health concerns, continuing to carry on and are grateful
for every day their child is with them. It really puts things into
proper perspective. We meet people who are generous with their
time, talents, and finances who want to help others - awesome
people making the world more awesome. In the very near future
we will also be serving families who attend Ochsner Hospital
for their treatments. We are
currently getting our hospital/
patient orientation there and
are training more volunteers
for Ochsner Pediatric Hospital at their Jefferson Highway
location. If you think would
be interested in being a respite
volunteer, please give me a
The singing Mt. Carmel Key Club pitched
call (504) 455-2620. The gift in to help too
of your time to a family in
need can really make a difference. Some families spend weeks
and months at the hospital and need
someone to just stop by and say hello
or stay a while.
Angels’ Place is preparing
for our big Christmas season. We will
be Santa to approximately 250 children. I love receiving our children’s
wish lists and seeing what the most
popular toys are this year. We really
shine at Christmas because we relieve
parents of some of the financial burden of Christmas. For some children,
our gifts will be the only ones they
receive.
St Mary’s angel making students!
Mr. Carmel students busy making holiday Angels
(continued on page 2)
If we have overlooked anyone, please let us know. You are all very special to us.
WING CLAPS
ATT Pioneers for a kind donation
ALLFAX for their donation and continued support
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. for a kind donation
Herb & Nelly Bergeron for helping with our newsletter, volunteering
and taking pictures at Booville
Rey Bienvenu for a kind donation
Celebration Church, Metairie, for a kind donation of school supplies
Marie DeSalvo for making beautiful oyster ornaments for sale for
Angels’ Place
Pat Duplantis for helping with our newsletter
Mary Evans for a donation of dolls and books
Anita Gilford for helping with our newsletter
Larry Kantlehner, Robbie Scyxnader Denise Sassone, & Susan Goodwin for cooking meals for the family of cancer AP child in the hospital
Mary Kennedy for a donations of gifts
Cathy Kenny Mt. Carmel Key Club, St. Mary’s Academy and
Ursuline students for making Angels for our Christmas competition
Donna Mascari for office help
Richard Palisi for a kind donation
Shane Rabalais for a kind donation
Mr. & Mrs. E.T. Robinson, III a kind donation for favors received
JoNel Savoy for towel set gifts
Scarlet Sisters, Metairie Red Hat Group for a kind donation
Justine Shepard for toiletries for AP
Jeremy Starr, Ameriprise Financial Svs, for a kind donation
Tiger Shredding for their services
Margaret Wagner for volunteering at Booville
Christy Whiteman for kind donations
Diane Balkenhr, Marie Corbett, Sally Shanagler for donating
clothes for a AP family
(Children’s Program Director continued from page 1)
We will happily accept donations of toys and/or gift cards for Christmas. We need gifts for all ages, ranging from birth until their 19th
birthday. You may call the office to see what toys are on their wish
lists. We will also need help with wrapping presents the week Dec
7th till 11th at our office. If you plan on coming, please call first as
sometimes the wrappers have caught up with the elves who distribute
the toys and there is a lull.
Be looking for our Christmas trees at Celebration in The
Oaks and at the Treasure Chest Casino. We had a great response to
our call for Angel Makers. Our thanks to all the groups who helped,
Kate Kenny Krewe, Mount Carmel Key Club, St Mary’s Academy, Ursuline Academy, Dawn Hirsch, Margaret Wagner,
Donna Mascari and Courtney Bullock. There have been many
feathers flying in the past few weeks as we worked on this project.
We have an opportunity to win a cash prize if you vote for our tree at
the Treasure Chest Casino. So please make the trip to the Treasure
Chest and vote for Angels’ Place.
We have new and exciting plans for Angels’ Place as we go forward.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported us in our mission.
November 13th is World Kindness Day - Be Kind. Spread Hope and
Joy. Do Intentional Acts of Kindness and enjoy the results.
AP Families Mark Your Calendars—2015
AP Christmas Party—Sunday, December 13, 2015
Nims Center, Magnolia Community Services, 100 Central Avenue,
Jefferson 10:00 AM—12:00 NOON
Guardian Angel Gazette
In Loving Memory
Rey Bienvenu in memory of Keith David Bienvenu
Susan Gun Goodwin in memory of her sister, Deborah Gunn
Janell Spelbrink in memory of Deborah Gunn
Anna Rickoll in memory of Mitchell D. Lulich
Anna Rickoll in memory of Judee B. Morovich
Brad and Evelyn Oubre in memory of Sandra Oubre
Holy Family Church Senior Adults in memory of Sandra Oubre
Ula and Harold Block in memory of Sandra Oubre
Julie, Roth, and Leah Gaubert in memory of Sandra Oubre
Mona Gassen in memory of Sandra Oubre
Louis D. Keller, Jr. in memory of Sandra Oubre
Patsye Lunk in memory of Sandra Oubre
Pat and Danny Mack in memory of Sandra Oubre
Janet and Roland Oubre in memory of Sandra Oubre
Edith Sirmon in memory of Sandra Oubre
Rebecca Songy in memory of Sandra Oubre
Barbara Gaubert, Ronald & Gloria Robert, Billie & Earl Simoneaux, Lenita & Dennis St. Amant, Brenda Madere in memory of Sandra Oubre
Anna Rickoll in memory of Walter M. Whiteside
In Honor of
Lee A. LeBlanc in honor of Mark Firmin, CEO/Director, Angels’
Place
Anna Rickoll in honor of Colleen Gangolf’s 90th birthday
If you would like to make a donation to Angels’ Place for
Christmas, please do so now. Our Christmas Party is on
December 13 at Magnolia Community Services.
Please don’t wait—donate. We need your help now!
You may donate gift cards, gas cards, or adopt one of our
children or a family for Christmas.
[email protected], website: angelsplacenola.org
where you can give through paypal.
Guardian Angel Gazette
Printed courtesy of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana as a community service.
Responsibility for editorial content is solely that of the editor
Lenny with the NO
Kiwanis was pretty
scary
Gracie and friends are ready for treats
Thank you Rummel pumpkins
Margaret, Mary, Carla and Charlotte were on hand
to greet the families
The costume competition
was tough
Taeshawn (right) and family always have fun!
Rummel pumpkin helps with crafts
Magnolia School hosted our
“Booville” this year. Laurie Waltzer &
Lisa Ross were in charge of the “Arts &
Crafts” and our refreshments were donated
and served by the New Orleans, Moisant,
Dawnbusters and 3rd District Kiwanis
Clubs.. Mark Firmin, our CEO, did a
splendid job with the costume competitions
for the kids and the one for the Magnolia
students. Our kids got lots of trick-or-treat
candies. A great time for everyone!
Mark taking a selfie with the kids
The costume competition was tough
Ray Ray the Ninja Turtle
Magnolia students participated in the costume contest too!
September/October /November 2015
Guardian Angel Gazette
Antone Collins
Jackson, born on October
15, 2005, 9 ½ years old,
got his Angel wings on
Wednesday, September
30, 2015, and went home
to be with the Lord. Antone had brain cancer
since he was 7 months
old. Antone was the
Antone Jackson
youngest boy of 5, having 3
10/5/05—9/29/15
sisters and 2 step brothers. He
is the son of Nadia Jackson and Troy Jackson. Antone attended Renew Culture Arts Academy. He
loved going to school, he loved his teachers, and he
just loved life. Antone is with the Lord now in
Heaven, no more hurting, no more suffering, he is
healed. Amen, King Antone!!
We send our sincere condolences to the
Jackson family. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and the Lord comfort you during your time of great sorrow.
Thank you Susan and Greg Goodman and Friends for
making wishes come true for an Angels’ Place Child!
Michael Adler
Audrey Borde
Gerald & Kris Butts
Barbara Cozic
Jean Louis & Chris Cozic
Sandy Dixon
Toni Dufrene
Ed & Phyllis Dusang
Jody& Bill Dusang
Lum & Donna Ellis
Jack & Irene Fager
Dave Fos
Sheila Grissett
Thrivent Financial Services
Gene & Sandy Hahn
Patsy Hatem
Bret & Maria Jacobs
Mike & Regina Koorie
Jack & Sophia Kunkel
Debbie Manos
Jim & Karen Marchal
Linda Mayer
Dorothy & Bob Nelson
James & Linda Orgeron
Todd & Debbie Paulson
Richard & Ellen Peralta
Ron & Deborah Unger
Lori VerHey
VERY IMPORTANT—HELP!
We are in dire need of an energetic, well organized volunteer to help sort toys, maintain
an ongoing list of gifts, etc. Please call Charlotte at Angels’ Place (504)455-2620 if
you are interested. Please help make Christmas for our kids!
Angels’ Place
4323 Division Street, Suite 206
Metairie, LA 70002
Phone: (504) 455-2620
Fax: (504) 455-2622
www.angelsplacenola.org
Email: [email protected]
In Loving Memory
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage PAID
Metairie, LA
Permit Number 784