April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time set aside to honor those who give of their time and energy to serve a greater cause. We know our Girl Scout volunteers are awesome! A special thank you goes to:

• Those "worker bee" volunteers - adults and girls - who made the Centennial Extravaganza such a success!  There were over 3,000 people who attended the Extravaganza on March 17 in Gonzales, and it was the efforts of the service unit volunteers who made the event so memorable and inspiring!  A heartfelt thank you for the fabulous work you did! It was great! 
• Our Extravaganza collaborators were also tremendous, as was WAFB news anchor Cheryl Mercedes, and our presenting sponsor Winn-Dixie.
• The Girl Scouts who participated in the 2012 Girl Scout Cookie Program and the dedicated parents and volunteers who assisted them in making this year's sale a success. Once again, you surpassed yourselves!  
• Join us on Saturday, May 12 at the council's annual adult recognition event that honors volunteers and community collaborators for their outstanding work and devotion to Girl Scouts. This year's theme is "Let's Celebrate." The event will be held at the Clarion Inn Conference Center, Gonzales LA from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.  Food and refreshments will be served from 9:30 to 10 during check-in. To register for the event download the registration form located on the council website at www.gsle.org. For more information contact Jill Pollard, Vice President Program and Volunteerism, at 800-644-7571, ext. 2238.
• Have an AWESOME volunteer whom you'd like to see receive our sign in their yard?  Click here for more information.

Be sure to check out the many opportunities available for girls and/or their families this summer!  Descriptions are available online by clicking the Summer 2012 banner ad at www.gsle.org/summer/program.asp. We are offering day camps, resident camps, special events AND travel.
 
This year Girl Scouts Louisiana East goes GREEN by utilizing online information and fillable registration forms for our Summer 2012 activities.

Rhapsody in Green 100th Anniversary Gala, June 23, 8 - 11 p.m. Hilton Riverside New Orleans

Enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, a silent auction, food, cocktails and much more! Music is Gina Brown and Anutha Level, and mistress of ceremonies is Fox 8 News Anchor Nancy Parker. TIckets are $100 each with two tickets for $150 if purchased by May 31, two tickets for $175 after May 31. Gala Tickets will go on sale on April 30. Call the Hilton at 504-584-3959 and ask for Girl Scouts Rhapsody in Green block for a discounted hotel room rate of $139. Contact Cerise McClendon at (504) 733-8220, ext. 2222. for more information. Gala sponsors include AT&T Louisiana, Whitney Bank, Valero, Total Graphics & Printing, Clear Channel, Fox 8 WVUE TV, and additional sponsors are needed.

Wear purple on Friday, April 13, when you come into either council office and receive 10 percent off in the council shops or $10 off your summer resident camp registration. "Purple Up" for Military Kids is a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifice. For more information visit www.operationmilitarykids.org.

Participate in this Girl Scouts Forever Green project by replacing incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® qualified, or other energy-efficient, light bulbs and turning off the lights for one hour-Earth Hour-8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on the last Saturday in March (March 31, 2012).

Earth Hour is just one way Girl Scouts and their families, friends, and community partners can make small changes that have big results when it comes to lowering CO2 footprints and saving energy and money.