Festival on Friday, October 10 to Raise Funds for Architecture, Engineering and Construction Management Education Scholarships
METAIRIE– The Palmisano Foundation, in partnership with RNGD, announces the sixth annual Renegade Fest, a free community festival taking place Friday, October 10, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM at RNGD Headquarters (1450 L&A Road, Metairie, LA 70001). The event will feature live entertainment by KARMA, food, drinks, games, and auctions, with 100% of proceeds supporting scholarships and career development programs for New Orleans area youth.
Since its founding in 2019, the Palmisano Foundation has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from awarding one scholarship to 33 scholarships in 2025—a 3,200% increase. Thanks to our trade partner sponsors, last year’s Renegade Fest alone raised $136,000, directly funding educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, construction, and skilled trades.
“The Palmisano Foundation is committed to advancing education and providing resources for students to fulfill their dreams and goals,” said Wes Palmisano, Founder and Board Chair of the Palmisano Foundation. “As part of our strategic philanthropy approach, we are breaking down barriers to education and empowering individuals to embark on fulfilling careers in high demand fields such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.”
The foundation’s innovative approach extends beyond traditional scholarship funding. Through strategic partnerships with Son of a Saint, New Orleans Career Center, Junior Achievement New Orleans, and unCommon Construction, the organization has created comprehensive career pathways that include mentorship, hands-on training, and direct connections to industry leaders.
Community Impact by the Numbers:
- 33 scholarships awarded in 2025
- $136,000 raised at Renegade Fest 2024
- 421 volunteer hours contributed by 60 RNGD employees in 2024
- 100+ youth served through scholarships and programs
Current scholarship recipients exemplify the foundation’s transformative impact. “The Palmisano Foundation Scholarship is an exciting opportunity for me that will greatly facilitate my path into the construction industry through LSU’s Construction Management Program,” said Drew Chauvin, 2025-2026 scholarship recipient. “Not only does receiving this scholarship give me great financial help in pursuing my career but also moral support as well knowing I have a foundation behind me who believed in me enough to support my educational journey.”
Fellow recipient Isabella Collins Barton added, “Receiving the Palmisano Scholarship Award is an honor, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities it provides. It empowers me to make an impact in my educational and career journeys, gives me confidence as I enter college, and allows me to express my passions better while helping build a foundation for my future.”
The foundation’s work addresses critical workforce development needs while supporting pathways out of poverty for New Orleans’ most vulnerable youth. Recent initiatives include funding state-of-the-art equipment for the New Orleans Career Center’s Maker Lab, launching the first comprehensive two-year trades program with Son of a Saint, and providing paid summer internships and transportation support.
“Together, we are building stronger communities and creating a brighter future for our youth,” said Sherry Serio, Director of the Palmisano Foundation. “As we look ahead, our commitment to education remains steadfast – fostering career opportunities and providing the resources needed for young people to succeed and thrive.”
Renegade Fest 2025 promises to be the organization’s largest fundraising event to date, featuring family-friendly activities designed to bring the community together while supporting youth education.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Time: 2 PM – 6 PM
- Location: RNGD Headquarters, 1450 L&A Road, Metairie, LA 70001
- Admission: FREE
- Features: Live entertainment by KARMA, food, drinks, games, auctions
The Palmisano Foundation serves as the charitable arm of RNGD and focuses on creating sustainable pathways for youth in architecture, engineering, construction, and skilled trades. Through strategic partnerships and employee engagement, the foundation has become a catalyst for change in New Orleans’ youth development landscape.
About The Palmisano Foundation Founded in 2019 as the charitable arm of RNGD, the Palmisano Foundation is dedicated to creating educational and career opportunities for New Orleans area youth. The foundation focuses on architecture, engineering, construction, and skilled trades, providing scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on training through strategic partnerships with local nonprofits and educational institutions. With a vision that every New Orleans youth has the tools, guidance, and opportunities to succeed regardless of circumstances, the foundation has grown from awarding one scholarship to 33 scholarships in six years.
Media Contact: Sherry Serio, Director The Palmisano Foundation
Phone: (504) 620-8022
Email: sserio@palmisanofoundation.org
Website: www.palmisanofoundation.org