Game-Changer Spotlight – Chris Kaufmann
We are more than the fundraisers. We are the hand raisers. The game changers. The-stop-talking-start-doing-band-together-and-take-on-the-impossible-task-masters.
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana Game-Changer Spotlight profiles on an outstanding donor, advocate, or volunteer who fights tirelessly with us to eradicate poverty and create a better, brighter Southeast Louisiana for all. With the 15th Annual East St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off on the horizon, we couldn’t think of a better person to spotlight than longtime United Way volunteer and St. Tammany Parish District #1 Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann.
What is your role with United Way? What do you do in this role?
Currently, I am a St. Tammany Parish United Way Leadership Council Member and chair of the East St. Tammany Red Beans ‘N’ Rice Cook-Off, which serves as the kick-off event for the East St. Tammany Parish United Way Campaign. I’ve been involved with this event since its inception!
Previously, I chaired the St. Tammany Parish Leadership Council (twice), and also chaired the St. Tammany Parish Campaign Committee (twice). In each of these roles, I served as an advocate for United Way in St. Tammany Parish, supporting the Blueprint for Prosperity.
What’s your favorite karaoke song?
My all-time favorite is Led Zeppelin - Stairway to Heaven.
How long have you been involved with United Way?
17 years
What motivates you to give/advocate/or volunteer?
I've always believed in United Way's mission. United Way funds support more programs and nonprofit organizations than any other agency. United Way makes a tremendous impact across our seven-parish region.
What is one thing about United Way that you think people should know?
I want people to know that United Way has one of the best processes for reviewing programs, allocating funding, and making sure the funding goes where it was approved to go – all to create positive change in our community.
What’s the #1 thing on your bucket list?
I want to go on a Hawaiian vacation.