Roger Ogden has mastered the art of giving.
His keen business sense, profound compassion, and burning desire to better his community have painted an indelible mark on the greater New Orleans area and our beloved Louisiana. It should come as no surprise that our Tocqueville Society is set to present Roger with its highest honor. The reasons are endless.
Roger has always looked for ways in which he can impact the most people possible, not unlike United Way. As the story goes, when he expressed his interest in running for governor, his future wife persuaded him otherwise by demonstrating the positive effect he could have on the entire state by backing multiple candidates capable of great accomplishments.
That mentality is clearly evident in Roger’s professional endeavors as the Founding Chairman of the SoLa Super Region Committee (a collaboration between GNO Inc. and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber) and as a member of the statewide Committee of 100, New Orleans Aviation Board, Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region, and GNO Inc. Board of Directors.
He is laser focused on building a stronger, more prosperous Louisiana for all by driving collaboration in education, government, and economic development. And it’s this focus that aligns perfectly with our work at United Way.
Roger’s support of our organization is a masterclass. He communicates the nature of our work and collective impact model with ease. The necessity of garnering donations to fund nonprofit operations. The responsibility that both businesses and United Way carry to ensure the workforce is capable, stable, and healthy. The need for collaboration to drive systems-level change to move the needle on poverty.
Roger staked his reputation as a business and philanthropic leader to the success of United Way, and the results are evident. As the 2018-19 Campaign Cabinet Chair, he raised our undesignated revenue, started 85 new workplace campaigns, secured over a dozen new Tocqueville Society members, and increased his own Tocqueville pledge from five to 10 years.
The impact created from one year under his leadership, combined with years of dedicated giving and guidance, will change the lives of countless households in Southeast Louisiana for generations to come.
Our entire United Way family is awaiting our opportunity to honor Roger for his unwavering support as he receives the Tocqueville Award on October 24, and I hope you’ll join us in celebration.
The recognition of Roger will occur on the evening of Thursday, October 24, at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Michelle Dunnick at 504.827.6894 or email MichelleD@UnitedWaySELA.org.