WHEN YOU THINK OF WEDDINGS AND VOLUNTEERS you may think of those friends and families that run around helping with all the details. But what does Volunteer Ascension and a bridal show have to do with each other? Each year the door fees from the bridal show at The Carriage House have been donated to Volunteer Ascension. Volunteer Ascension provides school supplies and uniforms to the children in need in Ascension Parish. Each summer they collect school supplies and uniforms and distribute them to the area school children and each year there are more children in need. Last year they coordinated volunteers at the shelters and distribution points for the hurricane victims.

Volunteer Ascension has a board of directors who volunteer their time to guide the organization and raise awareness in the Parish. Julie Rivett, the owner of The Carriage House, served on the board for many years and was President for two years. So each year of the bridal show the door proceeds were donated to Volunteer Ascension. The show this year, that will be held at The Holiday Inn Gonzales, Harry Robert , proprietor and Joelin Movern, banquet coordinator, have agreed that the donations should continue. Both local business owners who have supported Volunteer Ascension since its inception agreed that this is a small way to give back to the community.

Attendants to the show this year will experience bridal fashion, wedding vendors and an opportunity to support volunteerism in Ascension Parish. For more information on the Bridal Show visit www.southerngraceweddings.com. To contact Volunteer Ascension on how you can volunteer call Audrey Boudreaux 225-644-7655.

"Events such as the Southern Grace Bridal Show play an integral part of much needed fund raising to sustain our programs and services. Julie Rivett has long been a supporter of our organization which assists those in need throughout the parish. And with Southern Grace Weddings, we appreciate all their dedication to make a difference in our parish, and recognize them as leaders in the business community. - Audrey Boudreaux, Executive Director of Volunteer Ascension

“Volunteers Changing Lives”

Volunteer Ascension helps make it possible for many children, elderly and families in need to receive temporary assistance to sustain them through tough times. By collaborating with other agencies, volunteers are matched with opportunities for them to serve. Last year Ascension Parish was provided with over 1 million dollars in services and volunteer hours through programs such as School Tools and Uniforms, Make A Difference Day, ConnecTeens and Community Services. These programs touch an estimated 9,700 people directly, not including the thousands of evacuees serviced after the hurricanes.