Grand Isle’s Oleander Hotel Receives Donation for Restoration

1 hour ago

Site Staff,

Oleadner Hotel By Fonville Winans — Oleadner Hotel by Fonville Winans

GRAND ISLE, La (press release) – The Karen B. Yoh Foundation donated $50,000 to Grand Isle’s Oleander Hotel restoration project, bringing the total funds raised to $343,000 of the organization’s $400,000 goal.

“We’re deeply grateful for the Karen B. Yoh Foundation’s generosity and belief in this project,” said Ronnie Sampey, president of Restore Grand Isle. “Thanks to the continued support from individuals and foundations across Louisiana, we’re only $57,000 away from saving one of Grand Isle’s most historic landmarks.”

Major contributions to date include:

$100,000 – Anonymous Donor
$50,000 – Karen B. Yoh Foundation
$50,000 – Gary Chouest
$25,000 – Boysie Bollinger
$25,000 – Todd Graves
$25,000 – Patrick F. Taylor Foundation

In partnership with Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, the Town of Grand Isle is leading this effort to purchase and restore the Oleander Hotel, built in 1929, and transform it into a visitor and cultural center in the heart of the island.

Once restored, the Oleander Hotel will feature:

Permanent exhibits on Grand Isle
Rotating works from Louisiana artists
A visitor center, museum and community event space
Self-sustaining programs focused on education, tourism and local gatherings

“The Oleander Hotel is more than a building—it’s a symbol of Grand Isle’s resilience and cultural heritage,” said Sampey. “With this restoration, we’re preserving a vital piece of Louisiana’s history while creating a space that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Donations to the Oleander Project can be made online at www.restoregrandisle.com or mailed to:

Restore Grand Isle
P.O. Box 1102
Grand Isle, LA 70358