New Iberia, LA – Becky Gerami and Edward Stewart Shea III are the recipients of the 2019 Leaders In Philanthropy Awards (LIP) for Iberia Parish. LIP is presented by Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) and sponsored by Hancock Whitney Bank. IBERIABANK is the proud sponsor of the Iberia Parish honoree.

The Sheas will be honored during an awards ceremony on Thursday, November 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette. Seats are $75 per person and $500 per table of eight. Reservations can be made online at www.cfacadiana.org/lip. The deadline to RSVP is October 25.

Becky and Stewart were guided by their parents' philosophy to support nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools in their community.

"My dad and mom were always generous to others," said Stewart. "I truly believe that charitable giving is in the DNA of most individuals and that when a person has the means to give, either time, talent, or treasure, they always do."

The Jerry Shea and Eddie (Buddy) Shea families operated The Bayou Companies for four generations before selling in 2009, at which time the companies had over 700 employees. The company encouraged other businesses to spread philanthropy.

Through Gerami School of Dance, Becky's mother promoted the arts. Today, Becky frequently encounters former students who show their appreciation of the life lessons they experienced through being taught by her mother. Her father gave many years of his time to Lafayette Mardi Gras.

"My parents Frank and Merry Joy Gerami inspired myself and my siblings to give back to the community," said Becky. "It's what Stewart and I love to do."

Through these examples, Becky and Stewart contribute to many arts organizations such as the Iberia Performing Arts League, Iberia Cultural Resources Association, and Bayou Teche Museum.

Becky and Stewart are passionate about supporting humanitarian organizations such as St. Francis Diner, Solomon House, and the Disch Declouet Social Service Center.

"Organizations such as these do essential work along with many volunteers on the front lines," said Becky.

As products of Catholic education, they have supported Catholic High School in New Iberia and Sacred Heart Academy in Grand Coteau with their capital campaigns and Dancing with the Stars annual fundraisers.

Their generosity extends to their local churches, the Carmelite Monastery, and the Bishop's Services Appeal.

Since 2000, Becky and Stewart have been annual contributors to Community Foundation of Acadiana in Lafayette and the Iberia Parish Foundation, an affiliate of CFA.

Leaders in Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to outstanding individuals or couples from the eight parishes of Community Foundation of Acadiana'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.

Community Foundation of Acadiana is a tax-exempt, donor-centric, entrepreneurial foundation in Lafayette, LA. Its core purpose is building legacies and improving communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. CFA is south Louisiana's premier philanthropic organization benefiting our region, with a particular focus on the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Mary, St. Martin and Vermilion. CFA is the host of South Louisiana Giving Day, the largest online fundraising event for nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools throughout Acadiana. Learn more at www.cfacadiana.org.