In total the foundation has worked with nearly 50 New Orleans schools and organizations, providing $ 300,000 to New Orleans Outreach for after - school assistance; $ 127,550 to the New Orleans Recreation Department to help with initial costs in the restoration
of Pontchartrain Park; $ 78,000 to Best
Buddies Louisiana, which facilitates one - to - one friendships for adults with
intellectual disabilities; and $ 74,000 to the Greater New Orleans Rebuild Child Care Collaborative, to restore child - care facilities lost to Katrina.
As part
of Best
Buddies (which pairs students with peers with
intellectual and developmental disabilities), Pagano and her
buddy have become true pals, often going to restaurants and parks together.