friends of the harbor center

help enhance our facility through community-led philanthropy

Friends of The Harbor Center help support the continued growth and success of one of St. Tammany Parish’s most important community venues.

The Friends of The Harbor Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization made up of dedicated community members who are passionate about strengthening The Harbor Center and the events it hosts. Through volunteer efforts, fundraising initiatives, and community partnerships, the organization helps support improvements to the facility and the production of memorable events that bring residents together.

The Friends of The Harbor Center work to strengthen the venue and expand its impact in the community by:

  • Creating and implementing innovative fundraising initiatives

  • Identifying additional funding opportunities such as grants, sponsorships, endowments, and charitable gifts

  • Partnering with Harbor Center staff to allocate funds toward hosting events, attracting new events to the region, and enhancing the facility’s appearance and marketability

  • Organizing and supporting community events such as the Louisiana Food Truck Festival, the Annual Senior Luncheon, and the USMC Reserve Holiday Concert.

Our Friends of The Harbor Center Board:

  • Joseph Montelepre, Chair

  • Pete Hanson, Treasurer

  • Nancy Barthelemy

  • Barbara Doyle

  • Dee Geraci

  • Chris Kent

  • Yolanda Paz

  • Paul Pratt

  • Don Shea

  • Kelly Walgamotte

How The Friends of The Harbor Center Helps Develop Slidell, Louisiana

The Friends of The Harbor Center, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, plays an important role in supporting the continued growth of The Harbor Center and its impact on the Slidell community. Made up of local volunteers, business leaders, and community supporters, the organization helps generate additional resources that strengthen the venue and expand the opportunities it brings to the Northshore.

Through fundraising initiatives, sponsorship partnerships, and grant opportunities, the Friends group helps support community programming, enhance the facility’s amenities and appearance, and increase The Harbor Center’s ability to attract new events and visitors.

Studies show that for every dollar The Harbor Center receives through hotel tax funding, it generates more than $5.00 in total economic impact for the St. Tammany Parish economy. This return highlights the venue’s important role in supporting local businesses, tourism, and community growth.

By supporting The Harbor Center, the Friends organization helps drive economic and cultural benefits throughout Slidell and St. Tammany Parish, including:

  • Economic Growth: Conferences, festivals, and large events bring visitors who support local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

  • Job Creation: Harbor Center events support full-time and part-time jobs in hospitality, events, and tourism.

  • Tourism Development: Thousands of visitors travel to Slidell each year to attend events at the venue.

  • Community Experiences: The facility hosts graduations, cultural performances, festivals, and celebrations that enhance quality of life on the Northshore.

join the friends of the Harbor center

Join the Friends of The Harbor Center and help support one of Slidell’s most important community venues. Whether you volunteer, sponsor an event, or make a charitable contribution, your support helps enhance the facility and the events it brings to the Northshore. All funds raised directly benefit The Harbor Center and its continued growth.

Logo for Friends of the Harbor Center featuring text and a stylized harbor-themed design.

Ready to get involved? Complete the form: