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Mahaffey, a graduate of the University of Texas, retired in 1999 and continued living in Baton Rouge. You could score a free Bojangles biscuit almost every day for a week. WAFB-TV television anchor Donna Britt, whose fight against breast cancer included a lumpectomy to cut out the cancer and 33 shots of radiation, helped to emcee the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure in Baton Rouge. I know she was banned from going after BRPD's Chief Murphy Paul. The station's digital signal is multiplexed: WAFB shut down its analog signal, over VHF channel 9, on June 12, 2009, the official date in which full-power television stations in the United States transitioned from analog to digital broadcasts under federal mandate. Her mother trained for a ministry in church music. The cash-and-stock merger transaction valued at $3.6 billion in which Gray shareholders would acquire preferred stock currently held by Raycom will result in WAFB gaining new sister stations in nearby markets, including CBS/ABC affiliate KNOE-TV in Monroe and NBC/CBS affiliate KALB-TV in Alexandria, in addition to its current Raycom sister stations. Donna Britt, third from left, has always been a supporter of community events, like the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. I am physically exhausted, Powell told The N&O in June. You have permission to edit this collection. During this campaign, he asked children to bring in their pennies to buy an elephant. There you go. "Andre has been a big part of our success story and we're sorry to see him go," WAFB News Director Robb. When they told her they could make that happen, she asked her husband: Do I really want to go back?. He was worried about how he'd get his car fixed. WBRZ-TV TV News Anchor Full Profile Jake Roblez Baton Rouge, LA Professions & Specialties News Anchor Commercial Announcer Presenter Experience & Education Title: Political News Anchor at Louisiana State University Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Area Industry: Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Full Profile Andrs Serna Baton Rouge, LA The People's Court also once aired on WAFB before going to WBRZ and later WGMB. So, now I know whats been paralyzing muscles all over my body all these months and shows no signs of stopping, she said. This is exactly what you wanted, so why not? he responded. WAFB also airs the Sunday services from the First United Methodist Church in the city. Patient advocates have long called for insulin price cuts to help uninsured people who would not be affected by price caps tied to insurance coverage. new job as an afternoon anchor at WAFB in Baton Rouge, After leaving ABC11 last month, Tisha Powell lands a new anchor job, Given a second chance: ABC11s Tisha Powell on why shes leaving the news business, NC Supreme Court blocks transfer of school funds in Leandro court case, Get ready to change your clocks. WAFB (channel 9) is a television station in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States, affiliated with CBS. "He was a steady hand and a steady voice,"Hodge said Friday. Brooke Cain is a North Carolina native who has worked at The News & Observer for more than 25 years. Im sure her employer hasnt been thrilled with her dating partner being a news topic on multiple occasions in the past few years. Hodge addedMahaffey, "had a huge heart and would do anything for you.". The Baton Rouge Police Department has arrested the mother of a child who officials say died of a drug overdose. WTF did she do? What to Watch Friday: Dateline and 20/20 update Murdaugh murder trial coverage, $3B superstar region project planned for Apex after years-long delay, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son in June 2021. It was a gross departure from procedure. PROVIDED PHOTO "I'm moving on," Kiran Chawla said. Now, she's battling ALS. She is a terrific reporter. Following her diagnosis, thousands of viewers and well-wishers showed up for Donna Britt Day, a charity event hosted by Chef John Folse to raise money for ALS research. Her husband, Mark Ballard, serves as the Capitol Bureau Chief for The Advocate newspaper. Golden Deeds -- The 'first lady of Baton Rouge broadcasting' Donna Britt, center, is honored as this year's Golden Deeds winner and is congratulated by WBRZ's Whitney Vann and Sylvia Weatherspoon. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting. Donna Britt,who worked for Baton Rouge station WAFB for nearly four decades, succumbed on Thursday at age 62 to the neurological disease, which is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, according to the news outlet. gazebo footing requirements. SI Predicts Three Permanent Opponents For Each SEC Team If League Moves To Nine-Game Model, NCAA Proposing Timing Rules Changes In College Football To Shorten Games, Four-Star Destrehan LB Kolaj Cobbins Commits To LSU, Skenes Tallies Career-High 13 Strikeouts In 12-2 Victory Over Butler, Lady Tigers Set For Matchup vs. Georgia In Quarterfinals Of SEC Tournament, Nick Saban Not Happy With Proposed SEC Schedule, Incredible Sucker Punch Landed In Yesterday's SIU-Edwardsville vs.UT Martin Game, Checking In On Mississippi State Softball Player Brylie St. Clair At The Farm, XFL QB Reportedly Cut For Leaking Plays To Other Team. Live with Regis and Kelly and The Oprah Winfrey Show were seen until the late 1990s. Nielsen Media Research ratings showed that 16.2% of all households in the Baton Rouge area watched the show. I could completely see an argument erupting over this, someone losing their temper and saying something, resulting in termination. For those who dont know, Delta-8 is a form of cannabis different from marijuana that contains a higher concentration of THC. Crawford Wheeler II. Never be too sure. Reception may vary by location and some stations may only be viewable with, "WAFB Official Says NBR to get Super Service from Station," North Baton Rouge Journal, April 29, 1948, Page 1. Carys biggest bookstore turns the page. Shes a great investigative reporter. Its happening at the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. WAFB anchor Andr Moreau is leaving the Baton Rouge, La. WAFB also has a Cox cable channel devoted to airing simulcasts and rebroadcasts of its news broadcasts. A longtime Louisiana news anchor has died following a battle with Lou Gehrig's disease, her former employer said Thursday. If they are not WAFB viewers now, they will be.. and Wheel of Fortune until 1995 when the shows moved to WBRZ. Regis and Kelly (now Live with Kelly and Ryan) continues to air on WBRZ. By Steven Ardary, Patrick Phillips and Gray News staff. Photo provided by Sonya Gordon Participating in the Phi Delta Kappa Walk for Education on Nov. 7 are, from left, front row, Jayne Fleener, Donna Britt, Gwen Hamilton; back row, W.T. Longtime WAFB anchor Donna Britt checks out a cake held by coworker Derron Daquano as she is joined by friends, family, and coworkers, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, after signing off for one last time at WAFB studios in downtown Baton Rouge, La. All rights reserved. He called her in for an interview and hired her right away. WAFB anchor Donna Britt interviewed some writers and editorial staff members at The Red Shoes. One person was taken to the hospital after a crash in Zachary early Thursday, March 2, according to emergency responders. All rights reserved. [3] In 1965, the station moved its transmission tower from Zachary to south of LSU's campus, allowing viewers in a 90-mile (140km) radius to receive its signal; it was also in that year that the station started broadcasting in color. In the eighth grade, an outstanding Bible teacher in Donnas life told her how God had inspired her to sign her name in lower-case letters, an act of humility and a promise to always to push to achieve her best in everything. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Id like to share some personal news with you tonight, Donna said. Former WAFB reporter Kiran Chawla says her love of investigative reporting and the viewing public sparked her to start her new YouTube channel. Donna Britt, Herb Vincent among this year's Manship School Hall of Fame inductees. They can irritate your throat, nose, and eyes, some may even cause cancer. DA popular local celebrity. It will still be breezy in the afternoon, but not as much as the morning, otherwise today will become sunny and nice with highs in the 70s. Over the years, she played for thousands of church services as well as hundreds of weddings and funerals. Known for her bubbly personality and community involvement, WAFB news anchor Donna Britt shows off her red wig in 2016's Red Wig Walk, which raises awareness for HIV prevention, treatment and supportive services. Photo 2 - Ms Donna Britt, WAFB 9 News Anchor, the MOC guest speaker, is greeted prior to the program by LTG Middleton Chapter Vice Commander, LTC Reginald Brown, USA Retired. His last day on the air will be Friday, Sept. 2. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is seeking to get an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. "And so much of your legacy at Channel 9 was based on what Mahaffey brought and what Mahaffey built. 'Unmasking ALS' -- At the ALS Association Louisiana-Mississippi Chapter's Black & White Gala Bal Masqu Unmasking ALS Together are Iron Horse Award winner Donna Britt, center, with board member Flynn Foster, left, and Dr. Jyoti Pham. Photo 3 - US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge Color Guard of MMST2 James Nichols, MST3 Michael Thacker, ME3 Joseph Maldonado, BM3 Jarret Guerra was the lead Color Guard for the MOC ceremony. Its a multimillion-dollar project that has been met with more delays than promises. The emcee for the evening was WAFB News Anchor Donna Britt and Auctioneer Jeff Taylor conducted silent and live auctions. Law enforcement leaders and community organizations gathered for the Page/Rice Camera Initiative, unveiling one of the new crime cameras in north Baton Rouge. I have ALS, Lou Gehrigs disease. Jun 1 "That was inappropriate. She started at WAFB in 1980 as a news reporter. For 23 of those years, she's been on the air in Baton Rouge reporting on the . Updated: Jan. 22, 2021 at 3:35 AM PST. Keyword Holiday Fair, Advocate staff photo by Kerry Maloney. Pets may be the ones who impact people the most. They approached me and asked if I would be willing to work full-time and I said no if I wanted to do that, I wouldnt have left the job I had!. [4][5][6] The sale was approved on December 20,[7] and was completed on January 2, 2019.[8]. WAFB's weekday morning news is repeated on that station. In all, the 10-day excursion cost the public approximately $100,400 to cover 14 government officials travel, according to financial documents. She was 62. Donna passed away. Based on the BRPD press conference the other day, it is abundantly obvious that BRPD needs no help looking like fools. WAFB's Donna Britt, left, speaks with colleague Greg Meriwether before the start of the 6pm newscast, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Bottom row, left to right: Kathy Fergus, captain Donna Britt, Allison Gustavson, Ginger Bishop, Katherine Jensen, Becky Terkel, Tanya Arnold, Sonya Godwin. All rights reserved. But educators argue many earn less. Photo provided by LAURIE HARDISON --- Volunteer breakfast --- Salvation Army Capt. Attending the event are, from left, Chief Walter Smith, of Slaughte; Chief Justin Nevels, of Norwood; Donna Britt, WAFB anchor; Chief Fred Dunn, of Clinton; Chief Mark Dousay, of Jackson; and Chief Kenneth Stewart, of Wilson. She is joined by colleagues Kiran Chawla, center, and Greg Meriwether. Advocate Photo by MARK BALLARD -- Three of the four candidates for Louisiana governor prepare Thursday as AARP forum moderator Donna Britt of WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, reads a question picked out by seniors. (WAFB) Tisha started her career in journalism as a reporter and producer for WCBI-TV in. "John Mahaffey was the consummate news anchor," addedLawhon. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. WAFB television anchor Donna Britt, center, a longtime supporter and emcee of Baton Rouge's annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, gets a selfie with breast cancer survivors Dora Sanford, left, of Zachary, and Keisha Ricard, right, of Baton Rouge, before the 5K run/walk on Saturday, March 3, 2018. Baton Rouge General (BRG) has teamed up with Rouses Markets to offer free health checks to those in need. The station aired the syndicated version of Family Feud hosted by Steve Harvey until 2020 and aired the versions hosted by Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, and John O'Hurley, with the exception of Karn's first season, which aired on KZUP-CD, and Harvey's second through fifth seasons, which aired on WVLA. Submitted by SVCINC COL Clay C. Le Grande, Jr., USA (Ret) Baton Rouge, LA 70817-3432 H - (225) 752-9780 c.legrande@cox.net. Longtime WAFB television anchor Donna Britt, recipient of the 2018 Golden Deeds award, photographed in her home on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018. Donna passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. Guests were served a variety of appetizers, entrees and dessert prepared by DeAngelo's of Denham Springs and served by Livingston Parish Celebrity Waiters, Sen. Dale Erdey, Assessor Jeff Taylor, Sheriff Willie Graves, Walker Mayor Bobby Font, Denham Springs Council members Annie Fugler and John Wascom, Walker Police Chief Hunter Grimes, Denham Springs Police Chief Scott Jones, Greystone Managing Director Ron Menville and architect Jay Labarre. Advocate staff photo by JOHN OUBRE -- Cancer survivor Donna Britt, with WAFB news, speaks to the audience on Saturday during a Relay for Life rally in Gonzales. Top row, left to right: Stephanie LaBlanc, Cherrie Bell, Judy Hignight, Tammy Norton, Lynet Lewis, Gloria Sylvia, Hillary Holmes, Susan Ford, Beverly Lemley. Color Guards representing US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge, LSU Pershing Rifles Company D-17, Civil Air Patrol Ascension Composite Squadron, Knights of Columbus Bishop Ott Assembly, Parkview Eagle Scouts, Parkview Boy Scouts, Parkview Girl Scouts, and ROTC units from Tara High, Central High, St. Amant High, Zachary High, Belaire High, Broadmoor High, Glen Oaks High, Lee High, Northeast High, McKinley High, Scotlandville High, and Woodlawn High. Honestly, I didnt think this was possible, Powell said. Before an audience of 650 students and members of the public, twenty (20) Color Guard units paraded in and lined the gym with the US Flag and their unit colors to an inspiring march played by the Parkview HS Band. His last day on the air will be Friday, Sept. 2. Just a theory, but IIRC, she was very involved and remained involved in covering the families of the police officers that were killed/wounded in 2016. Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING. A write-up slip from elementary school showed she called a fellow 2nd grader poo-poo face. . A breast cancer survivor, she was also very active with breast cancer fundraisers. The Supreme Courts new 5-2 Republican majority voted along party lines to prevent the transfer of school funds. Winfield, Mary Irma Cormier-Thomas, Linda Johnson and John Dilworth. This practice ended shortly after Gray assumed ownership of the station. Made me chuckle every time. Multiple people have been arrested following an investigation into prostitution happened at Baton Rouge area massage parlors. I don't know if either of those things have any truth to them. WAFB also carried some ABC programming with WBRZ until WRBT (now WVLA) signed on in 1971 and some programming from DuMont until that network folded. Photo 3 - US Coast . Get access to more than a decade of story archives. The extra pandemic food stamps have officially stopped. woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond, WANTED: Officials searching for man accused of exposing himself, ExxonMobil faces racial discrimination lawsuit, Fight involving 9 people on Southerns campus leads to 1 arrest, Kentwood man arrested after months-long drug investigation; drugs, money, and guns seized, Man arrested for allegedly robbing victim at gunpoint in Denham Springs, CRIME STOPPERS: Mans killer, details surrounding his death remain a mystery, Emails show governors Europe trip raised staffing, itinerary questions, Juvenile caught behind wheel of stolen vehicle, officials say, Two arrested for flying drone over chemical plants in St. Charles Parish. "He not only had the camera-ready looks including a million-dollar smile, but he was a born story-teller. On March 3, 2008, WAFB became the first in Baton Rouge and the third in Louisiana to broadcast its local broadcasts in high definition. Shield of Hope -- Honoring Donna Britt, seated, at the Salvation Army of Greater Baton Rouge's Shield of Hope Gala are, standing from left, Maj. Brett Meredith, Carissa Graves, Congresssman Garret Graves, Maj. Steve Morris, Roy O. and Kathy Martin, Maj. Mary Meredith and board chairman Todd Gerald. Average NC teacher pay is nearly $58,000, state says. In an interview with The News & Observer the week before her final broadcast on ABC11, Powell said that she had worked nights for about 15 years at the station, and that working from home some during the pandemic had opened her eyes to the time she was missing with her youngest daughter, who is 7. Through two gracious campaigns from his show, Buckskin Bill helped to start the Baton Rouge Zoo. [2] It launched as a television counterpart to local radio stations WAFB and WAFB-FM, which both signed on in 1948 and were affiliated with MBS. "But he was a solid journalist, he loved the news business, and he loved to beat the competition. Originally broadcasting an analog signal on UHF channel 28, WAFB moved to VHF channel 9 in 1960. The only station to get a bigger share of the local audience was KCCI, the CBS affiliate in Des Moines, which was watched by 17.9% of area households. The East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office made three arrests after a months-long drug investigation on Wednesday, March 1. In 1997, AFLAC sold its entire broadcasting division, including WAFB, to Raycom Media. PRAL awards At the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Public Relations Association of Louisianas annual awards ceremony April 27 at the Watermark Hotel are, from left, First Circle Award recipient Jinx Broussard, Communicator of the Year Donna Britt, chapter President Delia Taylor, Practitioner of the Year Cheryl Michelet and Member of the Year Avery Davidson. One person was injured in a shooting in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, March 1, according to the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office. Mahaffey started his career in Baton Rouge television at WAFB-TV. While I was at 332016 to 2018and it was widely known that Sharon Weston Broome would only give WBRZ the time of day. Attached is a group shot of the 1980 LSU Flag Line. Golden Deeds -- With this year's Golden Deeds Award winner Donna Britt, seated, at a VIP reception before the dinner are, from left, Bob and Judi Terzotis, Larry and Dee Munzler, and Leslie and Scott Berg. Tisha Powells new job as an afternoon anchor at WAFB in Baton Rouge is something she didnt think was possible. Media departures are always strange. She commended the group on their publication of two issues of a race and ethnic studies journal titled 'America the Beautiful In Spite of It All.' Asians arent immune from cancel culture. Because of concerns about COVID-19, the family plans to wait to hold a memorial service for Donna at a later date, he said. The East Feliciana Police Chiefs Association held an appreciation luncheon on April 8 at Centenary Inn in Jackson. Wtf ? He was 77 years old. Press J to jump to the feed. Shes probably just going to another network or something, it's not like that's a direct quote from the news station or anything, Looks like she got cancelled for forgetting to use the #Defundthepolice hashtag. Donna Britt, who has been with WAFB for over 37 years, has announced she will retire from the local news station after being diagnosed with ALS 11 months ago. Good dudes, but definitely not journalists. i mean, no way it was a race thing. She did different themes highlighting different kinds of books. So, I think both of the major TV stations have benefited from John Mahaffey having been there.". A man is behind bars in Livingston Parish for allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint while he was at an ATM Tuesday night, February 28. "They just looked for somebody who looked all right . And, it's a proud legacy. Remembering Donna Britt: Look through pictures of her time at WAFB, volunteer work and more. She attended numerous scouting Camporees and was fiercely proud of carrying a canoe over mountains and paddling the Northern Tier Extreme Boy Scout Adventure on Americas Northern border. "He was a remarkable guy in that he had no ego and that's really rare in the news business," Spain said. Donna passed away on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. Thanks for contacting us. All rights reserved. It originally aired a digital signal on UHF channel 46 from a transmitter at its studios. Photo shot on 3/17/2003. In 1957, they sold the radio stations, with the AM station changing its format to black music and the FM station going off the air; a new WAFB-FM would sign on in 1968. Those relatives she moved back to Louisiana to be near can now watch her on TV. Jun 8. Photo by Carol Anne Blitzer. Cadet Commander of Troops, Cadet LTC Alisha Parker of Tara High School issued the vocal commands that moved the mass of flag carrying corps through the ceremony. Powell said this week that the folks at WAFB, a Gray Media station, had asked her what it would take to get her to come back to news. Every year in the United States, about 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease. STAFF PHOTO BY PAM BORDELON George and. Copyright @2023 TigerDroppings.com. So, now I know whats been paralyzing muscles all over my body all these months and shows no signs of stopping.. I felt really flattered that they had enough faith in what they were getting that they were willing to create something that works for me, she said. For the last nine months, doctors have tried to diagnose it, however, many of the symptoms are the same for other diseases, she said at the time. In the mid-1990s, WBRZ experienced significant staff turnover and several news format changes while AFLAC and Raycom invested heavily in improving WAFB's news product by maintaining low turnover in its news staff and presentation (WAFB used the "Newschannel" theme by Gari Media from 1990 until Raycom switched its news music client to Stephen Arnold Music in late 2014), leading WAFB to overtake WBRZ's news ratings in 1994. Like house plant? The station made this change to give its noon and 5 p.m. newscasts a strong lead-in. Buckskin was also one of the first shows in the United States to have a sign-language interpreter for hearing-impaired viewers prior to closed-captioning. Asians are considered white when being white is a bad thing. Bond has been set for a St. Gabriel police officer who was arrested in connection with the murder of a Denham Springs man that happened overnight, officials said. What are we talking here? Golden Deeds recipient Donna Britt gets a standing ovation during the Golden Deeds awards Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at the Baton Rouge Marriott. Youll have the chance to attend a unique educational presentation using world-class projector equipment at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Officials have caught the inmate who escaped deputy custody while working with a crew at Southeastern Louisiana University on Friday morning, March 3. College football is exploring a new clock operating rule that could significantly impact games next season. During an investigation, police say evidence was found to place the babys mother under arrest. Jeanne Burns is a veteran broadcaster with 25 years of experience in news. Longtime WAFB anchor Donna Britt waves as she sees her husband and son in the studio, Wednesday, June 13, 2018, as Donna Britt signs off for one last time at WAFB studios in downtown Baton Rouge, La. The two shows he hosted were called Storyland (for younger children during a.m. broadcasting) and The Buckskin Bill Show (for older children during the afternoons, which ended September 1977). According to the lawsuit filed by the U.S. Donna Britt speaks to the crowd after receiving the Golden Deeds Award Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at the Baton Rouge Marriott. She had joined the station in 1980 and appeared on the air as an anchor until her deteriorating health from the disease forced her to retire in June 2018. BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Longtime Baton Rouge news anchor John Mahaffey has died. Updated: Jan 17, 2017 / 07:36 PM CST. Bella Notte Gala held at Greystone The third annual Bella Notte Gala was hosted by Greystone Golf & Country Club in Denham Springs on Saturday, March 19, 2011. A study revealed that those who spent more time with their dogs experienced a 300% increase in oxytocin levels. Pennington Biomedical Research Center is hosting a wellness day for women on March 4th from 7:00am through 1:00pm. (Photo provided by KATHERINE JENSEN BOCCACCIO). A Denham Springs animal fostering program, Rescue Rehome Repeat, needs volunteers to take in local dogs. This launched such a voracious battle to win the party, that the schools reading comprehension scores on standardized tests went up 4.7% the very first year and continually improved. In addition, the new owners cancelled the station's beloved 33-year-old half-hour local weekday program Storyland, then the longest-running children's program, hosted by Buckskin Bill Black, and rechristened it as Buckskin and Friends, an hour-long show that aired on Saturday mornings until it was cancelled in September 1990. The longtime ABC11 evening anchor, who left the station at the end of July to move back to her native Louisiana and start a new career with more family friendly hours, told The News & Observer on Tuesday that part-time anchor jobs just dont happen. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO -- Our America Writers' and Artists' Project -- The Our America Writers' and Artists' Project received a Power of Nine Award on WAFB-TV on Aug. 25. wcpo news anchor fireditalian ithaca restaurants. Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Broome does not like Kiran Chawla of WAFB Just Baton Rouge 1.53K subscribers Subscribe 31 Share 12K views 5 years ago Mayor Sharon Broome of Baton Rouge tells WAFB they. Donna Britt, who worked for Baton Rouge station WAFB for nearly four . BATON ROUGE - Longtime WAFB anchor and investigative reporter Paul Gates has died at the age of 69 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born while her parents were in the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft Worth Texas. Had to be about the Hammond stuff, that was the last thing she covered. Golden Deeds winner Donna Britt, center, is pictured with Judi Terzotis, left, Advocate President, and Scott Berg, president of Lee Michaels Jewelry, at the Golden Deeds awards Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018 at the Baton Rouge Marriott. Donna adapted the same promise and always signed her name with lower-case letters, what she called a sign of continued commitment to serve God in the most enthusiastic and excellent way possible. Over the years, Donna supported numerous charities including those tied to research for ALS, Sickle Cell disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer.