The recipient entity's physical address:
           612 Main Street
LaPlace La 70068

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           P.O. Box 41
LaPlace La 70069

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          NA

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  3326

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $50,000

What type of request is this?  Both

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Shelly Ruffin (Chairperson) 41 Houmas Pl Destrehan La 70047
Natasha Ross (Co-Chair) 151 Rhett Lane Montz La 70068
Michelle Wicker (Secretary) 41469 Creekstone Ave Prairieville La 70069
Danica Mason (Treasurer) 377 East 24th Street Reserve La 70084
Sherrill Wheeler (Parliamentarian)834 Provision St. Unit A Gramercy La 70052
Dayna James 430 Coles Landing LaPlace La 70068
Margaret Scott 2117 Cambridge Drive Laplace La 70068
Marilyn Allen 45 Turnberry Dr Laplace La 70068
Katie Chatmon 104 Glen Lakes Dr LaPlace La 70068
Yolanda Williams 161 Tuscany Dr LaPlace La 70068
Ray Williams 161 Tuscany Dr LaPlace La 70068
Monique Riley 82 Derek La LaPlace La 70068
Gaynell Johnson 1724 Yorktowne Dr LaPlace La 70068

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Community Celebration Network (CCN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering unity, pride, and progress within the community through cultural events, educational initiatives, and civic engagement. CCN brings residents, businesses, and organizations together to celebrate shared values, support local economic growth, and promote volunteerism.

Through signature events such as Christmas on Main Street and other community-based programs, CCN creates meaningful opportunities for connection, empowerment, and celebration.
By highlighting local talent such as the East St John High School Band, the Eaglettes, Tori Lynn Dance Academy and engaging the youth, CCN strengthens the social and cultural fabric of our Tri Parish region.

The organization’s mission is to build stronger, more connected communities by providing inclusive platforms that inspire diversity and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Our mission is to unite the St. John the Baptist parish community through a spirited
celebration of tradition, and spirit. We strive to transform Main Street into a joyful destination that uplifts all who visit.

Driven by a deep commitment. Community Celebration Network provides essential
support to families in need. By donating vital items such as sanitizing wipes, diapers, cleaning products and snacks to the local Children’s Development Center we ensure that the warmth and
blessings of each season are shared with every household, leaving no one behind.

Christmas on Main Street is an annual community celebration presented by Community Celebration Network (CCN) that brings together families, local businesses, and organizations to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. This event serves as a radition across the Tri-Parish area and the Greater New Orleans region.

The celebration features festive activities such as live entertainment, local vendor showcases, a children’s zone/village, and the official lighting of the Christmas Tree on Main Street. The event also provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artists, and performers to gain exposure while fostering a sense of togetherness and joy among residents and visitors.

CCN supports missions of building stronger communities through collaboration, volunteerism, and celebration of local culture. The event not only boosts community morale but also stimulates the local economy and strengthens partnerships between civic, business, and faith-based organizations.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $50,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The public purpose of Community Celebration Network (CCN) is to strengthen community connections, celebrate local culture, and promote civic pride through inclusive events, education, and service. CCN provides opportunities for residents, businesses, and organizations to come together to support economic growth, youth development, and community engagement.

Through programs such as Christmas on Main Street. Career Readiness Training, Back to School Backpack Giveaway, Night Out Against Crime, Teen Summit and other cultural and educational initiatives, CCN fosters unity, encourages volunteerism, and enhances the overall quality of life within the community.

Community Celebration Network (CCN) plays a vital role in strengthening community connections, promoting local pride, and creating opportunities for economic and social growth. In many communities, there is a growing need for unity, collaboration, and positive engagement and CCN meets that need through purposeful events and outreach initiatives. CCN provides a safe, family-friendly environments that encourage youth participation and community involvement. CCN acts as a connector between civic groups, local government, schools, and businesses. These partnerships lead to greater community resources, shared goals, and growth.
In an era when communities face social and economic challenges, CCN restores a sense of togetherness and hope.

CCN has also assisted over 100 families during our Back to School Bash preparing students for a great school year. We’ve participated in Night Out Against Crime which brought over 150 people together to meet and foster a connection with the St John Parish Sherriff Department and first responders. We've also organized a Career Readiness Training for about 14 young people preparing them with much needed skills for the future. And we are in the planning stages of Teen Summit 2026 coming soon. Through CCN's mentoring programs such as our Career Readiness Training, volunteer activities, and training workshops, young people gain confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. Having the youth involved and engaged with positive adults is the "why"
we do it for the betterment of the community and the future of the kids.

Our upcoming Festival “Christmas on Main Street” is a festive community celebration designed to bring holiday cheer, support local businesses and create lasting memories for families. This annual event transforms Main Street into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, decorations, and live entertainment. It not only fosters holiday spirit but also encourages economic growth by showcasing small businesses, local vendors, and Artists.

Christmas on Main Street provides a safe, family-friendly environments that encourage youth participation and community involvement. We donate toys to the kids and help relieve financial pressures on families.

Families can enjoy festive music, holiday treats, photo opportunities and unique shopping all while connecting with neighbors and supporting the local economy.

Also, Community Celebration Network (CCN) will serve the public by empowering youth through education, leadership, and engagement. The Career Readiness Training and Teen Summit are designed to equip young people with the practical skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to achieve personal and professional success.

Together, these initiatives promote self-sufficiency, reduce barriers to employment, and contribute to the overall economic and social health of the region.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          To fulfill our public purpose of strengthening community connections and celebrating local culture, Community Celebration Network (CCN) has established the following goals and objectives:

Goal 1: Promote Community, Engagement and Unity

•Objective: We aim to organize inclusive events such as Christmas on Main Street that bring together residents of all ages and backgrounds.
•Objective: Increase volunteer participation and civic involvement by creating opportunities for people to contribute their time and talents.


Goal 2: Support Local Economic and Cultural Development

•Objective: To partner with local businesses, artists, and organizations to showcase local talent and stimulate the local economy during community events.
•Objective: To provide platforms for small businesses and entrepreneurs to gain visibility and connect with the community.


Goal 3: Foster Youth Development and Leadership

•Objective: Engage the youth in community service, mentorship, and event leadership roles to build skills and confidence such as we’ve at our Career Readiness Training partnering with Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans.
•Objective: Create educational and cultural opportunities that inspire the next generation to take pride in St. John the Baptist Parish.


Goal 4: Strengthen Collaboration and Partnerships

•Objective: We want to build partnerships with civic leaders, schools, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to align resources and expand impact.
•Objective: We also would like to encourage collaboration like we had with Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans for our Career Readiness training to ensure events reflect all people and traditions.

The goals we’ve set for achieving our purpose is simply to provide various community outreach programs to meet the needs of St John the Baptist Parish and surrounding parishes.

Community Celebration unites people, promotes economic vitality, provides positive community engagement, and uplifts the spirit of St John the Baptist Parish and the Tri-Parish area. It serves as both a catalyst for progress and a symbol of pride, ensuring that traditions, togetherness, and local growth continue to thrive.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           Community Celebration Network (CCN) views its mission and public purpose as an ongoing, long-term commitment to community development, outreach and engagement. We do have measurable goals for a three- to five-year period which includes consistent implementation of programs, events, and partnerships. Within this timeframe, CCN aims to: • Establish Christmas on Main Street Festival and other community events as annual traditions that promote unity and economic vitality. • Expand partnerships with local businesses, schools, and civic organizations to strengthen collaboration and outreach. • Increase volunteer participation and youth involvement to build leadership. By the end of the five-year period, CCN anticipates having a well-established network of engaged residents, thriving community events, and measurable improvements in civic pride and local collaboration, laying the foundation for growth and impact for years to come.

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 NA
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 NA

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 NA

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  NA

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               NA

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               NA

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                NA

          What is the nature of the relationship?  NA

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 NA

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               NA


Contact Information
name:  Shelly Ruffin 
                                       address:  41 Houmas Pl
Destrehan La 70047
                                       phone:  9852106232
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  shelly.m.ruffin3@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  Chairperson