Mission Statement

Everyday is an opportunity to contribute to the quality of a child's life, through education, recreation and welfare. Chris Duhon Stand Tall Foundation is committed to building up children who are the foundation of our communities. We believe an educated child has unlimited possibilities and it is our desire to serve the community in ways that will directly benefit the community's most valued citizens, children and youth.

About the Foundation

The Stand Tall Foundation was formed in 1998. Chris Duhon Hurricane Relief Fund became a chapter of the foundation to support his efforts in providing aid to his hometown of Slidell, Louisiana, which was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Chris gave new life to the foundation and formed the Chris Duhon Stand Tall Foundation in 2007. The Stand Tall Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in Connecticut, but is run by its office in North Carolina.

Slidell is located on the Gulf Coast between New Orleans, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi. When the hurricane hit, we worked relentlessly to raise funds and supplies to aid in the rebuilding of the area we still call home. We contributed to the quality of life for Slidell residents and gave hope to our most valuable citizens, children and youth. Donated funds to the City of Slidell to help with the rebuilding process and remained in constant contact with then Mayor Ben Morris about the ongoing needs of the city.

Three Point Play

Education

Will continue our Scholarship Fund to be sure that more students have an opportunity to attend college. We previously awarded five $5,000 Scholarships to graduating seniors in St. Tammany Parish Schools to supplement the costs associated with full-time enrollment at any four-year college or university of their choice
Will team up with local school systems to develop and organize projects to support teachers who face new challenges in teaching.
Will work to assist teachers with adequate teaching supplies and tools to provide the best education possible for children.
It is our wish to encourage students to explore community service as an opportunity that will strengthen his/her determination to become accountable leaders and remind him/her that what he/she gains from their philanthropic work will extend far beyond the classroom
Support after school programs through school systems, churches and other youth organizations that promotes academic success beyond school walls.

Recreation

Will continue to pursue and create recreational projects that promote health and fitness as well as teach the values of teamwork, commitment, discipline, work ethic and sportsmanship.
Operation 21 and Project P.L.A.Y.; Playground Laughter and Amusement for our Youth; a project to refurbish, improve and/or install new and improved playground equipment in public parks, play areas and basketball courts
Chris Duhon Basketball Camps
Triple Threat Dance-Step-Cheer Camps

Welfare

Will work to address important social issues and welfare for children at risk of hunger.
Will work with other civic and non-profit organizations to encourage kids to get involved in their local communities.
Have teamed up with Feed the Children to distribute food to families in need for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Kids Café - A program to feed hot meals to kids participating in after school programs and local Boys & Girls Club

A few notable accomplishments in the beginning. . .

With the support of the NBA Chicago Bulls organization, we immediately delivered three 18-wheelers full of food, water, clothes, toiletries, baby products and cleaning supplies to Slidell after Hurricane Katrina.
Provided school supplies to several St Tammany Parish Schools which reopened October 2005.
Provided financial assistance to reopen the Boys & Girls Club of Slidell, including several computers to create a computer lab for the After School Program. The club is located in an area where many families rely on the after-school program.
East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity - Teamed up with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation to build Habitat for Humanity homes in Slidell. The first build day was July 12, 2006. After months of sweat, tears and cheers, the families moved into their homes in October 2007.
Slidell Youth Basketball Association (SYBA) - A recreational basketball program for area youth. Chris is a product of SYBA where he served as coach and referee while in high school.
School uniforms were purchased for children that attended Abney Elementary and Honey Island Elementary Schools. Uniforms are required for all public schools in Slidell.
We assisted in book drives to replace library books at Abney Elementary.
We donated funds to replace library books at Salmen High School.
Funds were donated to the athletic departments of Salmen High School and St. Tammany Jr. High.
With the help of Adidas, athletic equipment was provide to Salmen High School and St. Tammany Jr. High School; such as athletic shoes (tennis, basketball & football), t-shirts, uniforms, socks, basketballs, etc.

Salmen High School

Funds were donated funds to the general scholarship fund of Salmen High School.

We also donated funds to the graduating seniors prom, graduation, senior trip and other

senior class activities; otherwise many of these activities would not have happened.

Salmen High School is the only school on the Gulf Coast that was completely destroyed
Chris graduated with honors in May 2000 from Salmen High School.