Page 17 - Giving Back Guide - 2021
P. 17
GIVING BACK
BUTCH OUSTALET FOUNDATION
story by Lynn Lofton photos by Teddy Lewis and courtesy of the Butch Oustalet Foundation
Giving to community non-profits is nothing new for Butch Oustalet. He’s been doing it for years to make his adopted Gulf Coast home a better place. However, now it’s more official with the establishment of the Butch Oustalet Foundation in February of this year.
His fiancee, Donna McCardle, is the executive director and the new foundation is teaming up with the Bacot-McCarty Foundation to ensure a bigger impact. So far they’ve helped the Make-A-Wish Foundation send a sick child to Hawaii; been very active with the Humane Society of South Mississippi; and increased Oustalet’s donations to the University of Southern Mississippi for professorships, something he’s been doing for 10 years.
“Our passion is mainly for young people to encourage them to stay here and have opportunities,” Oustalet said. “I believe strongly in the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the growth we’re having.”
The foundation will continue to assist with Bacot-McCarty’s fashion show and golf tournament, which fund scholarships for college students. Next summer the foundation will sponsor 40 young people for a camp sponsored by the Humane Society.
Another non-profit close to Oustalet’s heart is Home of Grace. “It’s special to me because I believe most people suffer from depression at some time in their lives,” Oustalet said. “I built a home there and named it in honor of Dr. Rick Peden, who was very inspirational in my life.”
The oldest of 10 children, Oustalet is a successful automobile dealer who gives back. “I want to use my time that’s left to help others. It’s not about me; I’m doing it for the Lord and the people of the Coast,” he said. “We’re looking for exciting things in the future.”
Butch Oustalet Foundation
12268 Intraplex Pkwy., Gulfport 228.217.5791
Donna McCardle
and Butch Oustalet. Butch Oustalet and Todd Trenchard.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
December 2021 | 17
