Community Involvement

While most residents of Acadiana are familiar with attorney Bart Bernard’s stellar track record of winning personal injury cases, many are surprised to learn about the victories for the community he is quietly achieving outside of the courtroom.

Throughout the years, Bart Bernard — through generous charitable donations and sponsorships – has contributed thousands of dollars to several community organizations and causes. These include such worthy endeavors as school academic and athletic programs, annual holiday giveaway campaigns and the Ragin’ Cajun Athletics program.

“We are committed to helping people in Acadiana and surrounding areas,” Bernard explains. “My law office’s passion for helping people fosters our community involvement efforts that extend beyond our everyday line of work, and it is our goal to give neighborhoods the extra ‘boost’ they need in order to thrive.”

Here are just some of the key programs in which we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the community:

• 2018 Acadiana Po-Boy Fest – As a supporting sponsor for this year’s Po-boy Festival, the Foundation helped raise money for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Acadiana in the best way possible: joining community members in sampling the finest po-boy sandwiches Cajun Country has to offer! Despite the inclement weather, it was a fun day of eating and playing for a great cause. For more information on upcoming fests, visit http://www.acadianapoboyfestival.com.
• In 2017, the Foundation spearheaded an annual holiday giveaway program, collecting toys for children and helping to feed families in and around Acadiana.  Giveaway gifting presents and meals to families and children at Christmas time. To find out how you can participate, donate, or nominate a child or children or family who might benefit from this program, email the Foundation at christmas@bartbernard.com.
• Dreams Come True of Louisiana – Bart rolled up his sleeves and had a blast at this year’s annual Sporting Clay Tournament, one of the biggest fundraisers for “Dreams Come True” in Acadiana. Check it out: the Foundation grants dreams to children with life-threatening illnesses, so there no better reason to dust off the old guns and show off your Louisiana Sportsmanship.
• Susan G. Komen Acadiana “Race for the Cure” Sponsor
• The Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana – Sponsor for “Great Futures” Gala
• Ragin’ Cajun Athletics – Baseball sponsorship for RCAF and Russo Park
• 232-HELP – Sponsor for “Anything is Possible” fundraiser that funds a significant part of the annual budget to help thousands of people in need every year
• Ascension Episcopal Booster Club Member and sponsor for all athletic programs
• Saint Thomas More Catholic High Football Sponsor

Bernard himself is a proud native of Lafayette, Louisiana, opening his personal injury law firm in his hometown in 1997. Since then, he’s won many millions of dollars in damages on behalf of his local clients. He has received numerous accolades over the years, including TWO “Best of 2017” awards from the readers of the Times of Acadiana, who rated him tops in the “Best Lawyer” and “Best Law Firm” categories.

He says while the awards – both monetary and professional – are wonderful, the best reward for his efforts comes in seeing the happy smiles on the faces of his neighbors in Acadiana whom he’s assisted over the years.

“I just really love helping people,” Bernard explains. “It’s why I became a lawyer.”

1. Acadiana Po Boy Festival, http://www.acadianapoboyfestival.com/
2. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR?fr_id=7043&pg=entry

Last modified: September 23, 2019