Boys Town Louisiana

Valero Energy Grant Will Help Boys Town Rebuild

Boys Town Louisiana Receives $67,000 grant from Valero Energy Foundation

Boys Town Louisiana youth received a very big surprise and check Jan. 28 at Valero Energy Foundation’s Benefit for Children luncheon.

Valero, the largest refiner in North America, donated $67,000 to Boys Town Louisiana to aid in their mission to save children and families. The money will be used to help rebuild a Boys Town Louisiana treatment Family Home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

“A key part of Valero’s culture is to make a difference in the communities where our employees live and work,” said Ralph Phillips, Vice President and General Manager of the St. Charles Refinery. “Boys Town was nominated…because of your tireless commitment and hard work for the children in the greater New Orleans area.”

The donation is part of the $8 million raised during Valero’s 2007 Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour. Beneficiaries are nominated by Valero employees, and an all-employee committee evaluates the charities to make the final selection of agencies which they believe will provide the most benefits to disadvantaged or disabled children. 

“My late husband Paul was involved with Boys Town and he always told me that if you help only one child in this lifetime, your life was not wasted,” said Emily Ventura Johnson, the Valero Energy employee who nominated Boys Town Louisiana for the grant. “Boys Town helps children from all backgrounds and all walks of life become educated and productive citizens. Every time you see a child from Boys Town, there’s always a smile on their face.”

“Valero is such a strong supporter of the work we do here at Boys Town Louisiana to save children and help families,” said Dr. Dennis Dillon, Boys Town Louisiana Executive Director. “This donation will have a strong impact upon our children and families as we continue to expand and improve our community. Valero’s is a great organization with great employees who care about their community.”