"In Memoriam: Honoring Our Legacy Builders"
The Seymore D’Fair Foundation is honored to dedicate this space to remembering our distinguished contributors: Harold Patin, Harry Lee, Kiki Camarena, and Bernie Klein. Their steadfast dedication, pioneering leadership, and generous spirits have profoundly impacted Seymore's journey, from the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition to the early journey into drug prevention to establishing the Seymore D’Fair Foundation. Their significant contributions and lasting commitment to fostering drug-free communities have defined our path today and brightened future generations. Celebrating their memories, we are inspired by the strength, passion, and values they contributed to our joint efforts. This memorial is a testament to their meaningful impact and the enduring difference they have made. Their legacies continue to motivate and guide everyone at Seymore’s Foundation as we forge ahead in our mission with the same bravery and dedication they displayed.
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Harold Patin | 2023
Harold Patin, affectionately known as Mr. Harold, stands as a pillar of unwavering support and inspiration within the Seymore D' Fair Foundation. His journey with the foundation began in 2016, marking the start of a profound partnership with David Johnson and a new chapter in the fight against drug abuse. Harold's contributions extend beyond mere participation; he is the co-inspiration behind the impactful Seymore Says “Don’t Be a Bird Brain” Avoid Drugs Substance Awareness and Drug Prevention Program. His role as a Law Enforcement Advisor embodies a blend of wisdom, experience, and dedication, guiding the foundation's efforts with invaluable insights from his extensive career.
Instrumental in forging connections that have amplified the foundation's reach, Harold's visionary leadership was pivotal in introducing Mika Camarena to Team Seymore. This collaboration blossomed into the annual Kiki's Red Ribbon School Celebration, a program that not only honors the legacy of Kiki Camarena but also serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, educating countless students on the perils of drug abuse. Harold's commitment to the cause and his ability to bridge relationships have significantly contributed to the program's success, underscoring the power of community and collaboration in effecting change.
Harold Patin's legacy within the Seymore D' Fair Foundation and beyond is marked by his profound impact on substance awareness and drug prevention. Through his efforts, he has helped to illuminate the path toward a safer, drug-free future for generations to come, embodying the spirit of service and dedication that lies at the heart of the foundation's mission. -
Bernie Klein | 2009
In honoring the remarkable legacy of Sheriff Harry Lee, we also celebrate the invaluable contributions of Bernard "Bernie" J. Klein of Klein and Associates. Bernie’s marketing expertise was crucial in the representation of Sheriff Lee and in the dissemination of the Seymore and the Cajun Critters "Just Say No to Drugs" program. His dedication and strategic guidance helped extend the program's reach, engaging an unprecedented number of students and schools across the metro New Orleans area. Bernie's commitment to community well-being and youth education was instrumental in the early successes of this groundbreaking initiative. His legacy, intertwined with that of Sheriff Lee's, continues to inspire our dedication to fostering a safer, drug-free future for our youth. Through his visionary collaboration, Bernie helped set the stage for the program's impressive impact, making a lasting difference in the lives of countless young individuals."
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Harry Lee | 2007
We commemorate the extraordinary legacy of Sheriff Harry Lee, celebrating a trailblazing leader whose commitment to community service went beyond his duties as Jefferson Parish Sheriff. Sheriff Lee's pioneering spirit was vividly manifested in 1987 when he partnered with David Johnson to launch a groundbreaking initiative in the fight against drug abuse among the youth of Louisiana. Through his enthusiastic support, they brought to life the Seymore and the Cajun Critters "Just Say No to Drugs" program, an innovative blend of live theater and classroom education that captured the hearts and minds of 40,000 elementary and middle school students across the metro New Orleans area. Starring Seymore D' Fair, the beloved character mascot from the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition, the program marked a significant milestone in preadolescent drug awareness, education, and prevention. Under Sheriff Lee's guidance, the initiative not only achieved an unprecedented 63-performance run across 110 schools in just 7 weeks but also set the stage for Seymore to become a national Drug-Free Ambassador. Sheriff Lee's foresight and commitment not only left an indelible impact on the community he served but also laid a lasting foundation for a safer, drug-free future for generations to come. His legacy as a champion of youth education and prevention continues to inspire and guide our efforts, reminding us of the power of community, vision, and dedication to enact meaningful change.
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Kiki Camarena | 1985
Kiki Camarena's legacy is a testament to the profound impact one individual's courage and sacrifice can have on the world. A dedicated DEA agent, Kiki's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty, battling against the forces of drug trafficking. Yet, from this profound loss, a powerful movement was born, one that would carry his spirit forward into the lives of countless individuals. In 2018, inspired by Kiki's dedication and sacrifice, Harold Patin played a crucial role in uniting Team Seymore with Mika Camarena, Kiki's resilient and determined wife. Team Seymore launched Kiki's Red Ribbon School Celebration, a vibrant testament to Kiki's enduring legacy and a beacon of hope and education against drug abuse in St. Tammany, Orleans, and Lafayette Parishes. Spearheaded by the dedicated efforts of Dara Lemoine-Johnson, Rebecca Marler, and Nanette Cook, this initiative stands as a powerful reminder of the difference that dedication, love, and collective action can make. Team Seymore has ensured that Kiki's sacrifice continues to inspire and educate, transforming tragedy into a compelling force for positive change. Their work keeps Kiki's spirit alive, encouraging communities to unite in the fight against drugs and to cherish and protect the potential of every child. Through their tireless efforts, Kiki and Mika Camarena's names are forever etched in the hearts of those who believe in the power of education and the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity.