Metairie senator died with $60,000 in his political treasury
When former state Sen. Ken Hollis, R-Metairie, died Sept. 10, he left a wife, three sons, a 28-year legacy of public service and $60,000 in his campaign finance account.
Ken HollisNow his survivors, after consulting with Hollis' campaign finance committee, have decided to give the money to charity.
"Our father wasn't just generous with his time but with supporting community efforts in a number of ways," said Michael Hollis, one of the late senator's sons. "We identified organizations that Dad supported when he was still with us and organizations that were in keeping with his vision and his passion."
Michael Hollis released a partial list of groups that will be receiving donations:
- Jefferson Performing Arts Society, $10,000
- Louisiana Tech University Foundation, $9,800. Both Ken and Michael Hollis graduated from Tech.
- Cancer Crusaders, $5,000
- Animal Rescue of New Orleans, $2,000
- Childrens Advocacy Center. $2,000
- Jefferson Beautification Inc., $2,000
- Jefferson Chamber Foundation Academy, $2,000
- Special Forces Association, $1,000.
Giving money to charity is one of three legal ways to distribute a deceased politician's campaign finance money in Louisiana. The others are using it for political purposes, such as supporting or opposing a candidate, party or ballot proposition, and returning the money to contributors on a pro rata basis.