Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel’s employees lined up Friday behind a cafeteria-style food service bar and compassionately served hot meals to nearly 100 people at St. Francis Diner in New Iberia.
Volunteers shared smiles, laughs and holiday greetings with the staff of the diner and all those who came through its doors.
Richard Picard, Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel director of public relations and marketing, team members get together a few times a year to donate time and raise funds for local nonprofits.
The diner and those served were extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the employees of Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel.
“Our team members are encouraged to find causes that they care deeply for and bring them to our attention, so that we can find new ways to support our local communities,” Picard said. “It is very humbling when we see the faces of those we help and the lives we touch. It is pretty emotional at times,” Picard said.
Juanita Lewis, executive director of St. Francis Diner, said the diner serves everyone.
“We serve everyone. We do not ask questions. We understand that everyone needs a little help from time to time especially during the holidays. We are here to help and build our community,” Lewis said.
Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana and its team members are proud contributors to several local charities, nonprofits, and causes from profit for the greater common good of the people of Acadiana, according to Picard.
The diner can be reached at 337-369-3362. Monetary donations can be sent to St. Francis Diner, P.O. Box 9106, New Iberia, LA 70562.
