NEW ORLEANS – Here are the top business stories of the week:

The Greater New Orleans Foundation announced that GiveNOLA Day 2022 (Monday, May 2) hosted by Baptist Community Ministries and supported by Entergy generated nearly $8 million in donations for a record 947 nonprofit organizations. More details on the annual online philanthropic “marathon” are available at www.GiveNOLA.org. “I am so grateful to the generous people in our region for another amazing GiveNOLA day,” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of GNOF, in a press release. “With both a pandemic and an active hurricane season, there is no doubt that our region has experienced more than its fair share of challenges over the past year. This year’s GiveNOLA Day reminded us once again that no matter what we face, the strength of our nonprofit sector and the generosity of the people in our region never wavers.

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health and Children’s Hospital of New Orleans announced that they have reached a non-binding agreement to explore structures within which the two organizations could work together. A letter of intent that was recently signed states that the two systems will explore collaboration in the delivery of pediatric health services, with a uniform and high standard of care for the communities that the systems currently serve. “This collaboration would allow us to do more together for the children of Louisiana,” says Kevin Cook, chief operating officer, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, which operates Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. “With recent and significant investments in pediatric healthcare made by both organizations, we believe we can align the respective expertise that will continue to transform the health of our children.”

the Vue Orléans observatory and cultural exhibition is now open atop the newly renovated Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in the former World Trade Center building at the foot of Canal Street. The $30 million attraction, co-developed by Woodward Design + Build CEO Paul Flower, features 360-degree views of the New Orleans cityscape as well as high-tech exhibits created by and featuring featuring bearers of local culture. The first phase of the roughly $500 million renovation of the circa-1968 structure was completed in August. Four Seasons has partnered with developers Carpenter & Company Inc. and Woodward Interests on the project. At Vue Orleans, visitors will learn about contemporary local musicians — Irma Thomas and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, for example — as well as 300 years of New Orleans history.

The 65 rooms Hotel Pelham at 444 Common Street announced the completion of an extensive interior renovation, including a redesign of the lobby, bedrooms and bathrooms, guest hallway and more. The renovation follows new ownership by AMS Hospitality, the hospitality division of real estate development firm Allen Morris Company and Black Salmon, the Miami-based national real estate investment and development company. The hotel is managed by HRI Lodging with design led by Suomi Design Works. “This renovation will provide guests with an elevated yet distinct New Orleans experience,” said Allison Barnette, general manager of the hotel, in a press release. “Inspired by the property’s origins, we sought to preserve the hotel’s unique character while transforming the spaces with today’s traveler in mind. From the moment they arrive, guests will be immersed in the town’s rich history while enjoying the world-class hospitality for which The Pelham is known.

General Manager of the Louisiana Children’s Museum Julia Bland has announced her retirement starting June 4. The organization’s chief operating officer, Lauren Clay, will be named interim CEO. “Our board and the entire museum community are deeply grateful for Julia’s vision, energy and leadership over so many years,” said Colleen Levy, Chair of the Board of Trustees. museum, in a prepared statement. “During his tenure, and together with the Board of Trustees and staff, the Louisiana Children’s Museum has experienced unprecedented growth, progress, and stability. Julia left a lasting mark on the museum and helped position this landmark center of learning and culture to do even more for the public good for many years to come. The board said it would conduct a national and local search for Bland’s replacement.

Hibernia Bank employees gathered with local officials and community members on May 3 to celebrate the launch of a new full-service bank branch at 5620 Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Hibernia has served the greater New Orleans area since 1886. It was originally founded as Union Homestead to provide residential mortgages to homeowners. Over the years it has grown to become a full service bank offering a range of financial services. It has five branches in New Orleans.

A $250,000 Affordable Housing Program grant awarded to Home Bank’s Leona Tate Foundation for Change and Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas in 2019 helped convert historic school building in the Lower 9th Ward into 25 affordable apartments for very low-income seniors and an anti-racism training centre. Representatives from the organizations gathered for a May 4 ribbon-cutting ceremony and a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the newly renovated building, which was formerly McDonogh Elementary School 19, the first school in New Orleans integrated by order of a judge of the United States District Court. “This historic building will play a vital role in helping our organization live out its mission of promoting civil rights and anti-racism education, while providing affordable housing opportunities,” said Leona Tate, Executive Director of the Leona Tate Foundation for Change, in a press release. “We are grateful to have received the funds from Home Bank and FHLB Dallas and to carry out this project for our residents.”