BNO Bids Farewell
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
*Apologies if you have received our e-mails in the past but did not receive our Farewell Address - this was not intentional. There was an e-mail delivery error that was not brought to our attentionĀ in due time.
Dear Family & Friends:
Over the course of almost 4 years it has been an honor to serve the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region as Founder and CEO of Blanket New Orleans, Inc. As a Hurricane Katrina first responder, rebuilding volunteer, social entrepreneur and national advocate for our recovery - I have gained a tremendous amount of perspective from our small organization’s myriad successes and failures.
After consulting several donors and advisers, the time is ripe to bring closure to BNO.
Nevertheless, our organization has a lot to be proud: To date, a large scale of High School and University volunteer groups from around the country have partnered with BNO to contribute more than 1,250 hours of community service, completely gutting 15 homes, and adopting the home of Ms. Paulette - remodeling her kitchen and two bathrooms. Our team has also provided #620 new blankets to families displaced by hurricane damage, as well as spearheaded GustavRelief.Org, an immediate emergency response initiative which harnessed the power of technology, transforming the way in which humanitarian supplies directly impacted those with the greatest need.
Most notably, Bike Katrina presented a remarkable opportunity to re-trace the storm route throughout the Gulf Coast. This initiative enabled us to engage government officials, business leaders, clergymen, educators and the heads of non-profit relief agencies on the status of capital projects in the region. And perhaps due to its ingenuity, we have expanded the communication of our e-newsletters/e-updates to about 1,400 subscribers.
However, among our challenges - implementing a plan to completely develop the property which was to serve as the BNO Green Service House has been the most arduous task. I want to thank the two most recent volunteer groups for completely repainting it and installing doors throughout the shotgun and carriage house: Holy Family Church of Inverness, Illinois and La Salle High School of Pasadena, California.
Given the current condition of the economy it is in our best interest to support other non-profits in the city that have similar existing structures in place. I am currently working with a number of partnering agencies to do that.
And while the BNO Green Service House was in its infant stage - we have made significant progress by dramatically improving the exterior and interior of that property - it is prime and ready for another entity to move ahead with its completion.
I am extremely grateful to the owner of that property for the grace period BNO had been allotted to develop the house, but it has been unoccupied long enough and should be listed on the market for another entity to purchase it out right.
In closing, my passion and commitment to the recovery of our city has not waned - instead I recognize that now is best for me to take time, reflect and grow from the meaningful insight I have gained wearing this particular hat.
I leave this organization and the cessation of operations knowing that I gave it my all, believing in the power of our ideas and the tenacity of the human spirit.
Thus, I look forward to delivering remarks to the 2009 Graduating Class of Medard H. Nelson Elementary School on Friday. This special event presents a unique opportunity where I will shed some light on what this journey has been about, how it has contributed to my introspection and why these experiences have grounded me for the the next great challenge.
Thank you for your support, prayers and time.
Gratefully Yours,
Happy Johnson


















