Eunice Resident Wins 2009 Ninja Award

Posted: July 27, 2009 03:30 PM

Updated: July 27, 2009 03:30 PM

Eunice resident Jean McManus has been named a winner of the 2009 Ninja Award®, presented by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.

The annual Ninja Award recognizes eight individuals from around the state who do extraordinary volunteer work for Louisiana's at-risk children. The award includes a $20,000 grant for each honoree's chosen charity.

A retired 78-year-old teacher, McManus was seeking a way to battle the low literacy level in Eunice. She found the answer in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that provides a book to each registered child monthly from birth to 5 years of age. McManus has enrolled 80 percent of the community's children in the program.

"Making a difference in our communities requires time and money, and that's why the Blue Cross Foundation is pleased to recognize Jean with a $20,000 grant through the Ninja Award," said Christy Reeves, executive director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. "Through the Ninja Award program, we're partnering with outstanding volunteers to support Louisiana communities and create a healthier state."

To date, more than 100 Ninja Award honorees, from age 17 to 93, have come from all walks of life. They are selected based on their efforts to enhance a child's life - physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. What they have in common is an unselfish focus on improving the welfare of children in their communities. With the addition of these 2009 Ninjas, grants to their charitable organizations will total more than $1 million.

A committee of past recipients of the Ninja Award, now in its 15th year, considered 62 nominations from throughout the state before selecting this year's winners. Rounding out this year's eight winners are Betsey Baldwin of Gonzales, Vicki Ellis of Baton Rouge, Jill Rigby Garner of Baton Rouge, Lynn Hobbs-Green of New Orleans, Janet Leslie of Maurepas, Minh Nguyen of New Orleans and Phillip Thomas of Monroe. The winners will be honored at a presentation ceremony Nov. 5 at the LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center in Baton Rouge.

For more information on the Ninja Award program, visit the Blue Cross website at www.bcbsla.com and click on Community, then Ninja Award. There, visitors can research information on hundreds of past Ninja Award nominees, finalists and overall winners by name, year of nomination or geographical location.

About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is building a healthier Louisiana through community outreach and charitable giving. The Ninja Award is one of two signature programs. The other, Smart Bodies, is an interactive education program to prevent childhood obesity. In addition, Blue Cross contributes nearly $2 million annually in financial aid to various non-profit organizations throughout the state that contribute to health, education and the overall quality of life in our communities. When we put dollars into Blue Cross communities, it makes Louisiana a better place for everyone. The Foundation is funded solely through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is the oldest and largest Louisiana-based health insurance company. BCBSLA is a nonprofit, fully taxed mutual company, owned by policyholders and governed by a local Board of Directors. It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The company provides group and individual health insurance plans, life and disability insurance, group voluntary products and administrative services to more than 1.1 million members. With headquarters in Baton Rouge and eight district offices, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana employs more than 1,600 Louisianians who are committed to improving the lives of its customers by providing them with health guidance and affordable access to quality care. Learn more on the company's website at www.bcbsla.com.