On Saturday, April 13th, Louisianans from all over gathered in Houma to participate and support those in the 44th Annual Over and Under Tunnel Run. From children lining the roads, cheering on the runners, to the dozens of people who were eager to contribute to this incredible event, all those in attendance were grateful to participate in raising money for a special cause.
This year, Benny Cenac, CEO of Houma business Cenac Marine Services, was happy to sponsor the event to ensure that this year’s event was an even bigger success that last year’s. As a Houma native and business owner, Benny Cenac is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this great community event.
All proceeds from the event are donated to a specific cause in the community, and this year, members of the planning committee were happy to announce that all proceeds would be donated to the Foundation for the Terrebonne General Medical Center.
Since opening its doors in 1954, the hospital has grown from 76 beds and a staff of fewer than 80 to a 321-bed nationally recognized award-winning facility with over 1,400 employees and 300 physicians—the largest community hospital in the Tri-Parish area.
“I am always happy to contribute to community programs and events,” said Benny Cenac. “As a Houma business owner and native, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to and watch our community grow into the economic and cultural hub it is today.”
As a native member of the community, Benny Cenac always looks forward to this event, and appreciates the support of the community in turning out to fundraise for the Foundation for the Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC).
The mission of the Foundation for the TGMC is to develop and maintain a comprehensive program of financial giving in the community for the sole purpose of promoting, developing and expanding the services, functions, purpose and mission of TGMC in providing exceptional healthcare with compassion.
All proceeds donated to the Foundation for the TGMC were used for programs that directly benefit the community of Houma. These include the Community Sports Institute, the Sudden Impact which educates teens in all Terrebonne Parish public and private schools in the dangers of distracted driving, free cardiac screenings, NICU assistance for families, blood drives, and the Well and Wise Program in partnership with the Council on Aging, a free educational and inspirational 6 month wellness program designed for those 60 years and older.
“Terrebonne General Medical Center plays a vital role in the health and wellness of our community, and I am glad for the opportunity to play a role in its ongoing growth,” Benny Cenac said. “My decision to sponsor an incredible event such as the Annual Over and Under Tunnel Run was an easy one.”
Benny Cenac: From Houma Business Owner to Avid Philanthropist
For decades, Benny Cenac has been graciously sponsoring events around the community and regularly donates to schools and events in the community. As a graduate of Nicholls State University, Benny Cenac is most fond of his involvement with the Nicholls State University College of Business Advisory Board, Nicholls State University Foundation, the Bridge to Independence Program, and the Nicholls State University Culinary School.
As an avid philanthropist, Benny Cenac has also donated thousands to organizations across the state, including the dozens of regional, national and international causes. These include organizations such as the Houma-Terrebonne NAACP, O.N.E./C.H.A.N.G.E., Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens, American Cancer Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
A third-generation Houma resident, Benny Cenac has watched his community grow from a small fishing town along the Intracoastal Waterway to a large economic center full of opportunities. Events such as these continue to remind him that Houma’s greatest times are ahead as the community continues to invest in making the town a better place to live for all.