A stronger, more resilient New Orleans starts with meaningful investments in our communities. For the 7th consecutive year, Entergy New Orleans served as the presenting sponsor of Rebuilding Together New Orleans’ Build and Boil. This annual tradition brings together the spirit of service and the soul of New Orleans culture, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to community development and neighborhood revitalization.
This year’s event united volunteers and supporters to improve the safety and energy efficiency of a New Orleans resident’s home. Entergy New Orleans provided 10 employee volunteers who worked with the community to make a real impact.
“We believe that building a stronger, more resilient city starts with investing in our communities, block by block and neighbor by neighbor,” said Stephanie Willis, director of public affairs for Entergy New Orleans. “Our partnership with Rebuilding Together New Orleans demonstrates our commitment to restoring hope, safety, and belonging for families throughout the city.”
The team’s efforts focused on the home of Charles Gillam, a renowned self-taught woodcarver and mixed-media artist who has lived in Algiers Point for more than 30 years. Recognized for transforming salvaged materials and Mississippi River driftwood into vibrant tributes to New Orleans culture, Charles’ work has achieved national acclaim, including a piece in the Smithsonian Institution.
His home, a cherished neighborhood landmark known as “the house with the artwork,” has served as a gathering place where he hosted Saturday art classes for local children. Currently facing challenges with mobility and vision, Charles is unable to properly care for his home. Entergy volunteers stepped in to make essential safety and energy efficiency upgrades, helping ensure he can continue creating and sharing his art for years to come.
After a morning of hands-on service, attendees enjoyed a Louisiana-style crawfish boil accompanied by live musical performances. Katrina Waters hosted the festivities, which featured family-friendly entertainment such as a bounce house, Plum Street Snoballs, and crawfish races.
This year’s Build and Boil was a testament to what is possible when corporate partners, nonprofits, and the community come together around a shared purpose. Entergy New Orleans is proud to stand alongside Rebuilding Together New Orleans and extend our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers, sponsors, and community members who made this year’s event a success. Together, we’re building more than homes. We’re building a stronger New Orleans.
