CFA recognizes de la Houssayes as 2021 Leaders in Philanthropy

Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) and Hancock Whitney Bank have announced the 2021 Leaders in Philanthropy Award honorees for Acadia Parish — Dr. Cason and Isabella L. de la Houssaye.
Community and public service were instilled in both at a young age and together they have generously given of themselves and their gifts to Acadia Parish.
Isabella de la Houssaye served a combined 25 years of elected service in Crowley’s city government. She was Crowley’s first female mayor and worked tirelessly to create an inviting parish seat for residents, businesses and visitors.
Along with a distinguished record of public service, Mrs. de la Houssaye has dedicated her time and talent to community service for over 50 years. She served on the board of the Crowley Chamber of Commerce and has been a member since its inception. As an active member of the Crowley Rotary Club, she led the civic organization as its president from 2010-2011.
For over 50 years, Dr. de la Houssaye has been engaged in the development of the healthcare system of the community to ensure access and quality for its citizens. He generously gave of his time and skills to the board of directors of the American Legion Hospital. He has also traveled on medical missions to Haiti to deliver care to the global community.
He is passionate about the attention and care the veterans of our country receive. He has been a member of the American Legion Post 15 for over 50 years, serving as chaplain, vice commander and commander.
“To anybody that knows Mrs. de la Houssaye and her husband, Dr. Cason de la Houssaye, commitment, courage, and compassion for others comes as no surprise because those ingredients are the threads that bind this couple’s hearts together with the world around them,” said Peter John, who nominated the couple.
“They both have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to lifetimes of service in the city of Crowley and the broader community at large in Acadia Parish, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to imagine Acadia Parish and the city of Crowley without this couple.”
Leaders In Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to outstanding individuals, couples and corporations that have supported nonprofit organizations, churches and schools through charitable giving and/or philanthropic work.
Individuals and couples are selected from each of the eight parishes of Community Foundation of Acadiana’s primary service area which includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Vermilion Parishes.
CFA welcomes nominations from the general public at www.cfacadiana.org/lip. Nominees need not be donors or have a Fund at CFA. CFA’s Past Board Members consider nominations and submit their recommendations to the CFA Board of Directors for final approval, including those proposed by any Parish Affiliate Advisory Board.