On March 23, Baton Rouge managing partner, Charles Landry, was awarded the Spirit Award for his years of leadership and support at the Capital Area United Way (CAUW) Annual Meeting. The winner of the Spirit of United Way Outstanding Volunteer Award is selected by the chair of the board of directors. The award recognizes exceptional leadership, support, and commitment to United Way. Mr. Landry 's involvement with CAUW is extensive. He was the Nominating Committee Chairperson in 2003, the Chairperson in 2002, the Campaign Chairperson in 2000, and on the Board of Directors from 1996 to 2004. Under his exceptional leadership as board chair, CAUW was ranked as a Four Star charity.

CAUW is a volunteer-based network of people who provide community services to those in need. CAUW is currently funding 54 health and human service agencies and 41 strategic grant programs in the 10-parish Capital Area. CAUW moved up to first place among United Ways that received the exceptional Four Star rating by Charity Navigator for financial practices. This rating is the highest rating given by the nonprofit group that monitors more than 2,300 nonprofits nationwide at its website www.charitynavigator.com.