Palmisano Foundation Announces 2025 Renegade Fest Community Festival

METAIRIE, La. - Sept. 10, 2025 - PRLog -- The Palmisano Foundation, in partnership with RNGD, announces the sixth annual Renegade Fest, a free community festival taking place Friday, October 10, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM at RNGD Headquarters (1450 L&A Road, Metairie, LA 70001). The event will feature live entertainment by KARMA, food, drinks, games, and auctions, with 100% of proceeds supporting scholarships and career development programs for New Orleans area youth.

Since its founding in 2019, the Palmisano Foundation has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from awarding one scholarship to 33 scholarships in 2025—a 3,200% increase. Thanks to our trade partner sponsors, last year's Renegade Fest alone raised $136,000, directly funding educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, construction, and skilled trades.

"The Palmisano Foundation is committed to advancing education and providing resources for students to fulfill their dreams and goals," said Wes Palmisano, Founder and Board Chair of the Palmisano Foundation. "As part of our strategic philanthropy approach, we are breaking down barriers to education and empowering individuals to embark on fulfilling careers in high demand fields such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC."

The foundation's innovative approach extends beyond traditional scholarship funding. Through strategic partnerships with Son of a Saint, New Orleans Career Center, Junior Achievement New Orleans, and unCommon Construction, the organization has created comprehensive career pathways that include mentorship, hands-on training, and direct connections to industry leaders.

The foundation's work addresses critical workforce development needs while supporting pathways out of poverty for New Orleans' most vulnerable youth. Recent initiatives include funding state-of-the-art equipment for the New Orleans Career Center's Maker Lab, launching the first comprehensive two-year trades program with Son of a Saint, and providing paid summer internships and transportation support.

"Together, we are building stronger communities and creating a brighter future for our youth," said Sherry Serio, Director of the Palmisano Foundation. "As we look ahead, our commitment to education remains steadfast – fostering career opportunities and providing the resources needed for young people to succeed and thrive."

About The Palmisano Foundation

Founded in 2019 as the charitable arm of RNGD, the Palmisano Foundation is dedicated to creating educational and career opportunities for New Orleans area youth. The foundation focuses on architecture, engineering, construction, and skilled trades, providing scholarships, mentorship, and hands-on training through strategic partnerships with local nonprofits and educational institutions. With a vision that every New Orleans youth has the tools, guidance, and opportunities to succeed regardless of circumstances, the foundation has grown from awarding one scholarship to 33 scholarships in six years. For more information, visit https://www.palmisanofoundation.org/.