Charlie Johnson, David Aft, Mayor Tommy Longo and Norris Little met in 2005 and discussed how best the Community Foundation and Northwest Georgia companies could help Waveland, Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Like so many others, I watched Hurricane Ian deliver its fury to the coastal communities of Florida.  News coverage of its aftermath reminded me of how small we are. It also reminded me of our resilience.

 We mobilize, we respond, we rebuild, we believe – it’s what we do.

 For most of my life I have watched communities deal with a host of natural and man-made disasters, often with varying degrees of success.  In every case, leadership and philanthropy go hand in hand, as we put the pieces back together.

 As I tracked the storm on my phone’s weather app, I remembered a project I was involved with several years ago when a group of local leaders from the Dalton area visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast two weeks after hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.  The devastation was spectacular.  The human toll was similarly severe.  Our team’s goal was simple: We wanted to better understand how we could help.  Representing the Community Foundation was our Board Chairman, Norris Little; Chamber of Commerce President, George Woodward; Wachovia Bank President, Richard Fairy; and myself.

 We met with over 25 community and regional leaders.  I felt proud to represent Dalton and prouder of our team members who brought a genuine interest in serving.

Members of our Foundation were shocked to see this sailboat docked so far inland—a testament to the power of Katrina. The saltwater had killed an entire forest of pines.

 Ultimately, we were able to help in the coast’s recovery in a couple of ways including some direct financial support and a partnership with the region’s community college network to establish a flooring installation program. These activities remain one of the Foundation’s proudest moments, and I am grateful for those intrepid souls who took the trip.  I am sure the experience changed all of us.

 On Monday morning, I heard about Norris Little’s passing, and the sad news seemed to impart a deeper resonance to the Waveland memories. I recalled an early morning walk on the beach with him, as we waited for the other members of our delegation to wake up. (He and I both failed to adjust our alarm clocks to Central Time and woke up an hour earlier than necessary.)  He and I both struggled to put words around what we had seen.  The weight of the disaster forced us to look, not just at what we lost, but what we had to do.  We had to believe that even against the backdrop of such a devastating event, we had a job to do – we had a role to play.

George Woodward, Richard Fairey and Norris Little talk with Mayor Tommy Longo about how best to help the Waveland, Mississippi area recover from Hurricane Katrina.

 I guess it’s that moment in time I most directly associate with Norris, as it illustrated his humanity, his passion, and his commitment to making a difference.

 My heart goes out to his family and closest friends, as I know they are grieving the loss of a truly great friend, husband, father, and mentor.  His obituary list so many organizations that were blessed with his involvement and leadership.  I count myself and the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia among those who will always feel his loss. 

 My grandfather once told me that life is the currency of history. In its journey we witness tragedy and triumph, sadness and smiles, life and death – the things that shape us and leave their impressions on our souls.

 It’s tough to lose someone who has contributed so much, but despite the sadness, Norris Little’s many gifts continue to inspire those individuals and organizations who were honored by his service and leadership.

 Rest in Peace, Norris, and thank you.

David Aft is the president of the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia. He has worked in the nonprofit field for thirty years and is a recognized resource and noted speaker on charitable enterprise, civics, fundraising strategy and community development.

Hurricane Katrina made landfall near Grand Isle, Louisiana on August 29, 2005 — just over thirteen years ago. Our nation watched in horror as the storm hurled mighty winds nearing 127 mph at the region causing apocalyptic storm surges and catastrophic flooding all along the Gulf Coast. The total damage from Katrina is estimated to be $125 billion.

Thirteen years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina made landfall near Grand Isle, Louisiana. Four weeks later, our Foundation led a team of volunteers to the region to determine how we could help.

Four weeks after Hurricane Katrina’s assault, a group of volunteers recruited by the Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, made a fact finding trek to the region.

“The city of Waveland, Mississippi probably took the worst the storm had to offer,” remembered Norris Little, a Dalton business leader who travelled to the Gulf Coast with the team. “When we returned home, we struggled with how our region could reach out to the affected area and provide real and sustainable assistance in its efforts to re-establish their communities.”

The Foundation took on two projects. The first was a benefit concert in Dalton’s historic Wink Theatre, which raised $25,000 earmarked from the City of Waveland and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The Foundation also worked closely with the Carpet and Rug Institute and local industry to develop a carpet and floor covering installation training program. The program graduated 12 certified carpet installers later that spring.

To commemorate our twenty-year history of advancing local philanthropy, we present twenty photos from the Foundation’s trip to Waveland, Mississippi in the aftermath of Katrina.

1. In fall of 2005, a team of leaders from Dalton visited the Gulf Coast to determine how the Community Foundation and other Northwest Georgia businesses could assist in the cleanup and recovery after Hurricane Katrina hammered the region. Pictured are: Charlie Johnson, David Aft (President of the Foundation), Tommy Longo (Mayor of the city of Waveland, Mississippi), and Norris Little (Foundation volunteer and Dalton business leader). George Woodward and Richard Fairey made the trip but are not pictured.

2. The photo shows the remains of Long Beach, Mississippi. The team saw mass and utter devastation for as far as their eyes could see.

3. Boats were flung inland. Cars were toppled and mangled. Photo taken in Pass Christian, Mississippi.

4. In the aftermath, community leaders launched "Project Rebirth," and started the work of rebuilding the Gulf Coast communities torn asunder by the storm.

5. Photo of Gulfport commercial fishing boats "tossed" here and there along the shores.

6. The twisted rails throughout the region served as a stark reminder of the power of a storm surge.

7. Photo shows debris layered along the beach of Gulfport, Mississippi.

8. "Amid the debris and next to fallen homes and structures were tent cities. So many people were living in tents."  -David Aft

9. Photo shows the remnants of a playground smashed against the side of an elementary school.

10. "The Catholic Church in Pass Christian had been torn apart by the wind and water, yet a shrine of Mary had been spared. There wasn't a scratch or mark on her."  - David Aft

11. A resident of Waveland, Mississippi accepts a boxed meal from the American Red Cross four weeks after Hurricane Katrina decimated his community.

12. Four weeks after the storm, Gulfport Seabees were already rebuilding the community.

13. "People were genuinely thankful that their lives were spared. I remember seeing a crude sign painted on ply board that read, 'Look. Hug. God lives.'"  - David Aft

14. Photo shows "all that was left of Waveland, Mississippi" four weeks after Katrina. 

15. Norris Little poses next to a marker thanking volunteers and donors for helping the Waveland community rebuild after the Hurricane Camille disaster in 1969.

16. Photo shows what was left of a coastal condo community near Diamondhead, Mississippi.

17. Photo shows the temporary city hall erected in Waveland just weeks after Hurricane Katrina.

18. Photo shows the heightened police presence in Long Beach, Mississippi in the aftermath of Katrina. Note the trash and debris lining the roadways. “I couldn’t imagine facing the debris and devastation every single day. It was everywhere, and there was no escaping it.” - David Aft

19. Photo shows a boat resting peacefully in the middle of a cemetery just outside of Biloxi, Mississippi. 

20. Residents of the coastal region placed an American flag near the debris field as an enduring symbol of hope. 

As we look back on our 20 year history, our Foundation remembers our friends and neighbors in Waveland and the other coastal communities. We hope they are well.

Thank you for being part of the Foundation’s history. Please help us share our story by sharing our posts with others. And as always, if we can be of service to you, your family, or your company, please contact us at (706) 275-9117.