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C. Allen Favrot
"When C. Allen Favrot rings, people in New
Orleans don’t think twice about giving"
by Karol Wilson
The unassuming C. Allen Favrot prefers to operate “under the
radar” when raising funds for his favorite charities. But not
even a casual observer of the charitable landscape could miss
the huge “blip” this 77-year-old retired businessman has made in
the lives of thousands in his beloved New Orleans.
His dedication and remarkable fundraising accomplishments
were publicly heralded when The Times-Picayune newspaper in New
Orleans named him the recipient of its coveted Loving Cup award
for 2002. The award, given to Mr. Favrot in March of 2003, has
been given annually since 1901 to recognize those who have
worked for the community without expectation of acclaim or
material reward. What makes the award even sweeter is that this
is a record third time a Favrot has won it. Allen’s grandfather,
Charles Favrot, won the award in 1934, and Allen’s father,
Clifford Favrot, was honored in 1956 for his work with the
United Way, the American Red Cross, and other organizations.
Allen Favrot was chosen as recipient of the Loving Cup
primarily for his tireless work with the United Way of Greater
New Orleans, and specifically for his fundraising and
recruitment of members to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society,
which he helped to found in 1985. Society members commit to give
$10,000 or more annually to the United Way. The New Orleans
United Way’s goal for last year was $19 million, and Mr.
Favrot’s efforts provided nearly 10 percent of that amount.
Described as a “master of lists,” Allen arrives at his own
office at the United Way (where there is also a conference room
named for him) almost every day to work the phones. It’s a
skillful process that began more than 50 years ago with a stack
of donor cards his father handed him; and he estimates he has
played a role in raising more than $100 million for the United
Way over the years.
“He really is our ambassador for the United Way,” says Gary
Ostroske, president and CEO of United Way of Greater New
Orleans. “Besides that important role, he’s a great resource,
not only in financial terms but also in terms of insight. He’s
seen a lot and knows the key groups and individuals we need to
reach and how to reach them. He also believes that giving to the
Society is a tremendous way for people who have the ability to
give on that level to have a tremendous impact on the community
and are dollars well-invested.” And if that wasn’t enough,
there’s a bonus. “Allen is just a wonderful man,” says Ostroske.
“He’s a true friend who has taught me a lot about life. I always
look forward to our afternoon chats on any variety of subjects.”
Besides his service as United Way “ambassador,” Allen Favrot
is also a champion of a number of other nonprofits, including
the YMCA, an organization he’s belonged to for 66 years. In
fact, the four-year-old YMCA facility that he helped to create
in Metairie, Louisiana, was where Favrot received The
Times-Picayune Loving Cup. A list of other organizations to
receive his positive and enthusiastic support, past and present,
includes the Metropolitan Crime Commission, the Salvation Army,
City Park, Metairie Park Club Gardens Association, Metairie Park
Country Day School, and Family Service of Greater New Orleans.
Allen and his wife, Jane, who have been married for more than
40 years, have four grown children. When not rooting for his
beloved Saints football team, he collects antique automobiles,
grows camellias, skis, and plays tennis. He also is an avid
photographer. Now he says he is looking at the next generation
of Favrots to see who will be next to carry on the family’s
tradition of community service, and perhaps be the fourth
generation member to carry away the Loving Cup.
The Alexis de Tocqueville Society
The Society was founded in 1984 and named after the famed
Frenchman and writer who, in the mid-1800s, recognized,
applauded and immortalized the voluntary spirit that lives
in America’s heart. The Society is designed to deepen the
understanding and support of individuals to the United Way
and to recognize the donor’s deep commitment to service.
Membership in the Society is granted to individuals who
contribute at least $10,000 annually. Society membership is
offered in most major United Ways across the nation. In
2001-2002, 352 local societies raised a total of more than
$422 million from more than 19,500 individuals nationwide.
To become a member of the Tocqueville Society, please
contact your local United Way, or see
http://national.unitedway.org/tocqueville/.
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