APRIL 26, 2006

Bunge North America has awarded the United Way of St. Charles (UWSC) a $50,000 Grant to continue the local United Way’s support of Hurricane Katrina relief and recovery efforts. Representatives of Bunge NA presented a check to United Way of St. Charles at 9:30am Wednesday, April 26th. The check ceremony took place in United Way offices at 13207 River Road in Luling.

“ This generous donation will go to benefit various agencies and their continuing relief efforts,” stated Denise Brodsky, Executive Director of United Way of St. Charles. “Agencies benefiting from this donation include the Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Stable, the St. Charles Community Health Center, the St. Charles Center for Family and Youth, and the St. Charles Madere Child Advocacy Center. United Way appreciates Bunge’s confidence in our efforts to support local agencies that are committed to our region’s recovery."

Bunge North America is a supplier of agricultural commodities, specialized food and feed ingredients, and food products. Destrehan, LA is home to Bunge NA export elevators and a soybean processing facility. The company also operates barges on the Mississippi and a network of elevators along the Mississippi River. The Destrehan operations employ approximately 140 local residents. To aid in the disaster relief efforts across Louisiana and Mississippi, Bunge has made contributions approaching $250,000 to help employees and the communities where they live and work.

In a letter announcing Bunge’s contribution C.J. Jones wrote, “As a part of south Louisiana for more than 40 years, Bunge North America and our employees were saddened by the widespread destruction following Hurricane Katrina. Bunge believes supporting the communities we serve is an important measure of our success as we strive to be the world's best integrated food and agribusiness company. We are proud to fulfill our responsibility with these contributions.”

In addition to United Way of St. Charles staff and Bunge NA representatives C.J. Jones, Jerry Gibson & Joel Headings, representatives from the benefiting organizations were present at the check ceremony (see photo below).

United Way of St. Charles’ mission is to lead and unite the community in providing a program of health and human services that is comprehensive, efficient and effective. It meets this mission by focusing on four key areas:

• Helping Kids Succeed
• Strengthening the Community & Supporting Families
• Assisting with Basic & Emergency Needs
• Promoting Health, Wellness & Independence

Present at the ceremony were: (left to right)
Harry Morel	District Attorney, St. Charles Parish
Mark F. Keiser	Executive Director/CEO, St. Charles Community Health Center
Lt. Pat Baudoin	Juvenile Investigation Division, St. Charles Parish (representing the St. Charles Madere Child Advocacy Center)
Kim K. McElwee	Assistant District Attorney, St. Charles Parish
C.J. Jones	Administrative Manager, Bunge North America
Denise Brodsky	Executive Director, United Way of St. Charles
Major Sam Zinna	Chief of Investigations, St. Charles Sheriff Department
Joel Headings	Facility Manager, Bunge North America
Dennis Nuss	President, United Way of St. Charles and Communications/Public Affairs Coordinator, Cytec Industries
Jerry Gibson	Regional Manager, Bunge North America
Gail Roussel	Executive Director, Center for Family and Child Services
Jane Adams	Volunteer, Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center
Greg Champagne	Sheriff, St. Charles Parish

Return to News Summary