Phil and Renee Haney

The Community Foundation of Acadiana is once again honoring leaders in philanthropy in Iberia Parish, with this year’s award going to Phil and Reneé Haney.

According to the CFA’s website the organization holds a Leaders in Philanthropy Awards Luncheon each fall to honor outstanding area philanthropists who increase awareness of the value of philanthropy and educate the public about CFA and its mission across its eight-parish service area.

The luncheon is scheduled for Nov. 11 at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette. Individual seats are $50 and tables of eight are $500. Deadline to purchase seats in Nov. 2. To register, go to cfacadiana.org.

The Haneys have been involved with the foundation for years. In 2008, Phil and Reneé partnered with Community Foundation of Acadiana to establish the Phil Haney Community Fund to help with emergency needs and to create scholarships for children in Iberia, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes, according to the CFA’s website.

“Obviously it’s a great honor,” Phil Haney said. “As me and my wife said, there are many people in New Iberia who deserve it more than we do, but we certainly appreciate it.”

The CFA is made up of parish branches that work within the respective communities. Part of those responsibilities include choosing the nominee for the luncheon.

Phil Haney has been recognized as the first Hero for Youth Award recipient by the Iberia Parish School Board, Public Official of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Social Workers and Civic Citizen of the Year by the Iberia Chamber of Commerce. Phil served as President of the District Attorneys Association and as Chairman of the 16th Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board. He was also the United Way of Iberia Campaign Chairman for five consecutive years and raised money for many community programs.

Reneé Haney, a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, is a native of New Iberia and has taught kindergarten in Iberia Parish for nine years. As a teacher, she witnessed children struggling because of family issues that directly impacted their school attendance and behavior. This led Phil to create the Prosecutor’s Early Intervention Program (PEIP). The program’s success has led to recognition and partnership with the McArthur Foundation and the Models for Change initiative and has been a catalyst for change within Louisiana’s juvenile system, according to the CFA.

Other winners in the Teche Area include Dr. Alan Hoberman, a St. Mary Parish philanthropist who owned and donated the Shadowlawn antebellum mansion in Franklin along with his wife Mildred, who has since died. 

Roy and Catherine Poché will be the St. Martin Parish residents awarded for their philanthropy endeavors. Roy Poché has been a leading businessman in the oil and gas industry for more than 40 years, and his wife Catherine has been a longtime volunteer for numerous organizations in the parish.