Bouquets & Brickbats
They get what they deserve
Pro Bono Publico Foundation
awarded 36 grants to New Orleans-area schools and supporting organizations, totaling $545,000 in funds. Members of the Rex Organization created the foundation in 2006 to help rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Katrina and the federal floods. It has funded grants totaling more than $1.2 million over four years; last year, grants totaled $354,000.
The Krewe of Muses
raised $8,900 for the Young Survival Coalition through an eBay auction for a chance to ride in the krewe's 2012 parade. The Houston-based coalition, which offers support to women diagnosed with breast cancer, hosts its annual conference in New Orleans Feb. 24-26. Funds raised from the auction will provide grants for local women to attend.
Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education (LCLCE)
received the National Center for State Courts' 2011 Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education. Founded in 1992, the nonprofit organization develops law and civics programs throughout the state's elementary, middle and high schools. Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said the program "benefited numerous students throughout the state of Louisiana."
Susan Fonte
pleaded guilty in federal court last week to stealing nearly $300,000 from a Metairie real estate company and its owner between 2005 and 2010. Investigators discovered Fonte, who worked for the company as its bookkeeper, forged her owner's signature on checks and had a debit card linked to her owner's account. Fonte admitted she stole the money to feed her gambling habit.
