Sonny Lee, Son of a Saint, Founder & COO

Thanks to GNOEA member George Messing, Owner Messina’s Catering, for hosting this week’s networking event for GNOEA members at the The Basin St. Station!

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Son of a Saint, Bivian “Sonny” Lee III has dedicated his life to transforming the lives of fatherless boys. Since the organization’s inception in early 2011, Sonny has grown Son of a Saint to serve over 500 boys with an annual budget of over $5 million. Over its 14 years of existence, Son of a Saint has raised more than $50 million to support its mission and its young men. Before founding the organization, Sonny served as chief aide to the owner of the New Orleans Saints and the former New Orleans Voodoo professional arena football team. He also previously served as the Director of Operations for the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA Baseball Team and Director of Programs for the New Orleans Jazz Institute. Sonny graduated with honors from St. Augustine High School and later earned a degree in Marketing and Management from the University of New Orleans. In 2022, he earned his Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration (EMNA) from the University of Notre Dame.
A TEDx speaker on community service, decision-making, and the importance of education, Sonny’s nonprofit work has been highlighted on CNN, NBC’s TODAY Show, NPR, and many local television stations and newspapers. His work for his community and the Son of a Saint organization has garnered him numerous awards and accolades locally, regionally, and nationally.

Son of a Saint accepts young men aged 10–12 who have lost a father due to death; long-term incarceration of 15 years or more left to serve, that can be verified; adoption by a single mother; or a young man whose father has been deported. These mentees participate in the program until early adulthood. Programming at Son of a Saint is designed to provide a holistic approach. It addresses not only the academic and practical needs of the boys but also their emotional and psychological well-being. By nurturing their overall development, mentee programming helps to empower our young men to reach their full potential. The programming includes mentorships, mental health, case management, academic support, travel & cultural immersion programs, recreation programs, and nutrition programs.

You can support Son of a Saint in various ways including, sponsorships, becoming an ambassador, volunteering, donating financial contributions or even as simple as donating snacks.

Please click here to learn more about Son of a Saint.

Please click here to view Sonny Lee’s presentation. Click here to view his bio.

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Q1 2025 dues reminder.

Announcements-

Paul Cosma, Uptown Auto Specialist thanked Kenny Knoblach, Help! Air Conditioning & Heating for servicing his air conditioner.

Guests-

Adrienne Labauve, LaBauve Group, a residential real-estate group was a guest of Richard Juge, RE/MAX Commercial Brokers.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

  • April 8- No Meeting
  • April 15- Christine Briede, Jefferson Parish Bicentennial
  • April 22- No Meeting, Happy Easter
  • April 29- No Meeting
  • May 6- Marguerite Oestreicher, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity
  • May 13- Todd Murphy, Commissioner, Port of New Orleans- Messina’s Runway Cafe (Lakefront Airport)
  • May 20- Crawfish boil- location TBD
  • May 27- No Meeting- Happy Memorial Day

Check website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Andrew Legrand, al@speralaw.com.