The Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation donated $150,000 to endow Supreme Champion Animals Awards given at the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. From left to right, Meraux Foundation board member Chris Haines, LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson, Meraux Foundation President Rita Gue, board member Floyd Gue and AgCenter development officers Vickie Hutchinson and Randa Bordelon. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter

News Release Distributed 02/06/15

VIOLET, La. – The Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation has given $150,000 to the LSU AgCenter Livestock Show — the largest single donation in the show’s 80-year history.

The funds establish an endowment for Supreme Champion Animal awards in beef cattle, dairy, poultry, sheep, goats and swine. Ten winners will be selected at each Livestock Show and will receive academic awards of $1,000 each.

The first awards will be presented at this year’s show, which takes place Feb. 14 to 21 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. More than 2,000 4-H and FFA exhibitors who have placed in parish and district competitions are expected to participate in the statewide show.

“We are grateful for the Meraux Foundation’s support of this important educational event,” said LSU Vice President for Agriculture Bill Richardson. “The young people who participate in the Livestock Show gain valuable lessons in leadership and responsibility. These awards allow us to reward the hard work they’ve done and encourage them to achieve even more.”

Rita Gue, president of the Meraux Foundation, said supporting the Livestock Show is a good fit for the foundation, which works to improve life in St. Bernard Parish using innovative strategies.

“I grew up on a farm, and I know what a joyful and educational experience raising livestock can be. That is why we are so pleased to support the LSU AgCenter,” Gue said. “Working with the LSU AgCenter, we look forward to promoting the culture of agriculture among young people in St. Bernard Parish and across Louisiana.”

The Meraux Foundation also hosts the AgCenter’s AgMagic on the River program at its Docville Farm in Violet. The event, which is slated for May 13 to 16, draws people from around the state to St. Bernard Parish for an interactive journey through Louisiana agriculture.