Louisiana has a strong reputation of staring down and overcoming adversity time and time again. This perseverance will be tested with our collective approach to beating the Coronavirus, and I am highly confident Louisiana will once again band together, help our neighbors and show the world that no challenge is too strong for our people.

In that vein, we are asking Louisianans across the state to take the #giftcardchallenge. Small restaurants and retailers across Louisiana have seen their markets evaporate almost overnight and, for many of them, this situation is not sustainable. So to help them bridge this temporary disturbance in their business so that they can keep serving the communities they love, we are asking folks to purchase a gift card to their favorite local small business outlet.

Here at LABI, each of our staff members are buying a $100 gift card to the small business restaurant of their choice and we will cover that cost for them. This will bring in much-needed dollars for these retailers at a time they need it most. Whether you buy a gift card online or in person, take the time to support your local small business retailer and encourage others to do the same. In fact, share a picture of yourself with the #giftcardchallenge hashtag and help us spread the word.

Louisianans have always overcome adversity not because of what they do for themselves, but because of what they do for others in their community. This time is no different. Take the #giftcardchallenge and help support the backbone of communities all across this state.