SU alumnus facilitate 2013 "Nation Builders" program launch

From PR Web and SUBR sources

Keith Tillage of Tillage Construction and Brian LaFleur of the BJL Group have come together to give back to the community that helped mold them. Tillage and LaFleur, both Southern University alumnus and best friends since age 11, not only conduct business together but they embark on philanthropic endeavors together. Collectively, in 2013 the two will be launching a campaign that will simultaneously continue their efforts to engage inner city youth and support Southern University by donating 40 tickets to attend each Southern University home football game to youth organizations in the North Baton Rouge community.

Annually, Tillage Construction and BJL Group sponsors similar giveaways with the NBA utilizing New Orleans Pelicans’ tickets however, due to transportation requirements; many organizations in the North Baton Rouge Community have not able to take advantage of the acts of kindness.

“Understanding that charity starts at home, Keith and I recently met with the Southern University Athletic Director, William Broussard and devised a strategy that would integrate their objectives of exposing and inspiring inner city youth with the current needs of the university,” explains Brian J LaFleur, of BJL Group.

Through a program titled the “Nation Builders” program, Southern University Athletics supporters like Tillage Construction and the BJL Group, can procure tickets by making a 100% tax-deductible donation and in turn, donate the tickets to charities of their choice.

“The Jaguar Nation game day attendance continues to improve as a new generation of Jaguars is introduced to the rich pageantry of tradition. While our attendance increased close to 30% last season, the Nation Builders Program is an opportunity for alumni and friends of the university to pay it forward by engaging the community and rebuilding not only the athletic fan base but an active alumni base,” affirms Southern University Athletic Director, William Broussard.

The Southern University Jaguars will host its first home football game on Saturday, September 14 against Prairie View A&M Panthers with much more of the community in attendance thanks to this new alliance.

“Everybody that knows me understands the affection I have for the community and university that nurtured me but this is not about me, this is about saving our youth, not only here but across the nation and supporting the universities that were established to educate them. Brian and I have the easy part, the heroes are the people that actually work with the youth in these communities every day and people like Dr. Broussard, where despite a difficult financial climate is still tasked and held accountable for the success of our Historically Black Universities,” said Tillage.

For more information on Southern University an how to support Southern Universities Nation Builders Program please visit The Nations Builders Program page.