Chamber Gifts Two Popular Community Events to Local Nonprofits

Chamber Gifts Two Popular Community Events to Local Nonprofits

Natchitoches, LA, January 31, 2025: The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that two of its beloved community events are being gifted to local nonprofits dedicated to enhancing the Natchitoches community. These exciting changes align with the Chamber's mission to promote economic success and foster meaningful connections in the community. 

The Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP) Annual Pub Crawl will now be hosted by Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals (FAUNA). The event, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Downtown Natchitoches. NYP will continue to play an integral role in this year's event, assisting FAUNA will the popular Poker Run activity. 

FAUNA expressed their enthusiasm for this opportunity. "We are honored to carry forward this amazing tradition. This partnership allows us to connect with the community in a fun and meaningful way while supporting our mission to improve the lives of animals in Natchitoches Parish. We thank the Chamber and NYP for trusting us with such a cornerstone event." FAUNSA Board Member Mrs. Kathy Owsley said. Registration for the 10th Annual Pub Crawl is now open. For details, visit facebook.com/FaunaNatchitoches. 

The Light the Way 5k, a cherished part of the official start to the Natchitoches Christmas season, will now be hosted by the Natchitoches Boys & Girls Club. Traditionally held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this family-friendly event has been a community favorite under the Chamber's leadership for five years.

De'Andrea "De" Sanders, Club Director for the Natchitoches Boys & Girls Club, expressed her excitement about the transition. "We are thrilled to take the Light the Way 5K reins. This event is a fantastic opportunity to unite families and celebrate the season while supporting our mission of inspiring young people to reach their full potential. We're grateful to the Chamber for entrusting us with such an impactful tradition."

Both FAUNA and the Boys & Girls Club have been instrumental in the success of these events in the past and therefore made a natural fit to carry them on moving forward. The Pub Crawl has been a celebrated tradition, drawing hundreds of participants to Downtown Natchitoches and boosting local business. Similarly, the Light the Way 5K has brought families together to kick off the holiday season in a healthy, festive way. The Chamber is proud to have cultivated these events into community favorites. 

This event management transition allows the Chamber to focus on new initiatives, including workforce development programs, small business support, and fostering economic growth in Natchitoches Parish. 

Laura Lyles, President & CEO of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, shared her thoughts on this milestone, "Thanks to the incredible support of our business community, the Chamber is uniquely positioned to gift two highly successful events to nonprofits that need them. This transition allows us to focus on community initiatives and projects that more directly benefit our business members and the broader community."

For more information about these events and the Chamber's initiatives, visit GoNatchitoches.com.

About the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce:
The Natchitoches area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting the community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.

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