Breaux Bridge Chamber all in for Paint the Bridge project

Honoring the 63rd year of the current drawbridge’s existence, the Breaux Bridge Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday made a $6,300 donation to the Paint the Bridge Fund which was organized to raise money to restore and repair the downtown landmark.

This amount works out to $100 per year that the bridge has stood as the city’s gateway, for generations of families and visitors, to the Crawfish Capitol of the World and to our brand of Cajun country, and its bountiful stomping grounds, the Atchafayala Basin.

Chamber President Tom Zaunbrecher presented the check to Gary Champagne, the “Paint the Bridge” the committee’s chairman.

On hand to lend support in handling the hefty donation was Tina Begnaud, Breaux Bridge Tourism Director, and businessman Frank Castille.

Zaunbrecher issued a challenge to other civic organizations, businesses and individuals to match or exceed today’s donation as the community embraces this project to return the iconic structure to the condition it deserves. Cost estimates run between $500,000 and $700,000 so it will require heavy lifting by the entire community.

Champagne noted that every dollar donated will go directly to the restoration project as Zaunbrecher’s company, Spherion Staffing and Recruiting, has graciously agreed to cover all administrative costs associated with the fund-raiser.

Donations, which are fully tax deductible, should be made payable to the non-profit Community Foundation of Acadiana whose mailing address is 1035 Camellia Blvd., Lafayette, La. 70508. Donors are urged to write, in the memo section of their checks, “Paint the Bridge.” The contact person for the foundation is Erin Winder and she may be reached at (337) 769-4842.

Chairman Champagne urges interested citizens wishing to serve on the committee or to volunteer their time at upcoming fund raisers, to call him at (337) 371-9971.