Giving Back to the Community
BLACK ELK ENERGY IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE TODAY FOR A DIFFERENT TOMORROW.
Black Elk Energy understands the importance of giving back to the community and is committed to making a positive impact on the places we live and work. The diverse needs of the areas in which we operate, the interests of our employees, and the principles of the company drive Black Elk Energy's continuing community support and goodwill.
"It's good for everyone to give back to the community. It feels good, it brings our team closer together, it defines us more clearly as a family, and it fosters the kind of culture we want at Black Elk., said John Hoffman, Black Elk President and CEO.
Black Elk Energy is currently partnered with Louisiana Association of Community Action Partnerships' (LACAP), a private, non-profit agency organized to promote programs engaged in raising the economic and social standards of low-income residents in the State of Louisiana. We call this initiative Empowering the Community which aids disadvantaged families with their utility bills. Black Elk Energy joined forces with LACAP to empower those in parishes where the company currently operates.
Black Elk Energy is proud to announce the success of its third annual Empowering the Community charity event. The two-day event included a 4-man scramble, live music and a barbecue, chili and gumbo cook-off. As a result of the charitable contributions and personal efforts made by so many people in the energy industry, Black Elk Energy was able to donate $230,000 to LACAP. With the help of our great sponsors, donors and participants, Black Elk Energy was able almost double our 2010 donation of $116,000! LACAP assists over 1,000,000 households each year. The funds from this event will enable LACAP in weatherizing homes of low income families, maintaining a new energy conservation vocational training center to train the unemployed and those wishing to acquire new vocational skills.
In December 2010, Black Elk joined forces with the United Way to sponsor the New Orleans Saints Home for the Holidays. This program brought hope and happiness to two families whose lives were turned upside down after Hurricane Katrina roared through New Orleans in 2005. New Orleans Saints Safeties Roman Harper and Darren Sharper surprised two families to rebuild their homes, which were damaged in the hurricane and have sense been inhabitable. Through this program, the hard work of the volunteers and the kindness and contribution of the various sponsors and donors, these families were able to get back home for the holiday season. Black Elk was thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful event and wishes these families all the best in the future.
Black Elk Energy is a proud donor to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. A recent monetary donation provided some funds directly to the family of a patent in the care of St. Jude's. This not only helps a non-profit improve its overall success, it can change the life of a child. Giving back knowing that your small efforts can give someone in need a second chance at a healthy life is a rewarding and powerful experience for the entire Black Elk team.
Black Elk has taken up arms once more to benefit those in need. The Deepwater Horizon event has made a large impact on our industry, taking the lives of some and effecting the lives of many. “It’s become apparent that there’s a community in pain, and it’s the oilfield community,” Hoffman said. “It’s a small community, but it’s very close to our hearts.”
Hoping to offer a little hope and financial aid, Black Elk has become heavily involved with Oilfield Helping Hands. Oilfield Helping Hands (OHH), is a non-profit organization that raises money through a variety of events and distributes it to families in financial need.
Black Elk has also reached out to help a number of other non-profit organizations. Black Elk has made sizable contributions both in financial donation and sweat equity to non-profits such as the Bright Light Foundation, the Larry Dierker and Literacy Advance of Houston, the Sunshine Kids, the Adopt a Soldier Program, Toys for Tots, the Girl Scouts of America, the Harper’s Hope Foundation, Via Colori and several local youth sports organizations. It is essential for Black Elk to be a good corporate citizen and make good faith efforts to improve the lives of its employees, communities and the oil and gas industry. Black Elk’s team does its part each day to make a difference and give back to those whom need it most.