Donna Shetler Corley of Crowley is the recipient of the 2018 Leaders In Philanthropy Award for Acadia Parish, an honor presented by Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) and sponsored by Home Bank. Corley will be recognized during an awards luncheon on Thursday, November 15 at the Cajundome Convention Center.

Philanthropy is nothing new for Corley who has been generously giving back to her community for more than 50 years. As a child, she learned from her parents' example and worked side by side with them in their various philanthropic projects.

Throughout her adult life, her giving has focused on young people, education, and her church. A special project close to her heart was spearheading a fundraising campaign to build a gymnasium for St. Michael's Elementary School in Crowley.

“They had no place for assembly, no place for school events so they had to go to the high school," she said. “One morning I called 6 people in my office and said, we’re going to do this for them and we are going to do it in 6 weeks.”

International Rice Festival recognized Corley by selecting her as Grand Marshal of the Rice Festival Parade. She was chosen to receive the Crowley Chamber of Commerce 2010 Humanitarian of the Year and the 2015 Business Woman of the Year awards.

"Donna is among the leaders in Acadia Parish who give back to the community,” said B.I. Moody III, a close friend. “In addition to her monetary contributions, Donna gives generously of her time and talents in ways that benefit our entire community."

Corley moved to Crowley in 1977 to run her father's leasing company. In 1987, she purchased Shetler Corley Motors. In 1995, she purchased Don Shetler Chevrolet. She is still actively managing both dealerships and has about 60 employees.

A graduate of McNeese University, she is married to George Corley, and they are the proud parents of two sons and seven grandchildren. Corley was nominated by Sandy Melancon and B.I. Moody III.

Leaders in Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to outstanding individuals or couples from each of the eight parishes of CFA’s primary service area who have made a philanthropic impact in their communities through substantial charitable contributions to or by attracting substantial contributions for nonprofits, churches or schools.