Mission
Our mission is to continue Irene Wells Pennington and C.B. “Doc’ Pennington’s vision and commitment to philanthropic giving, focusing on the arts, health and chronic diseases, social and emotional learning, and accessibility and inclusion for all.
Meet Paula Pennington de la Bretonne
Paula Pennington de la Bretonne was born and grew up in Baton Rouge, attended St. Joseph’s Academy, and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor’s degree in science.
She is married to Dr. Jacques de la Bretonne, and they have eight children and 21 grandchildren.
Paula’s love for the community can be seen in her contributions to local nonprofits. Through her love of health, science, and the arts, Paula continues her grandparents’ legacy of philanthropic giving to improve the overall quality of life for families and children throughout Louisiana.
Grants and Initiatives
Doc & Irene Pennington's $125 million gift was invested to build LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Paula Pennington de la Bretonne and her family trusts have served Pennington Biomedical and its related foundation since the inception of both.
The Pennington Family Foundation is lead underwriter of the Baton Rouge Symphony's Great Performers in Concert Series. Opera singer Renee Fleming, seen here, was instrumental in the Body and Mind performance. The series celebrates 25 years in 2024 with a performance by inernational cellist Yo-Yo Ma
Emerge Center empowers children with disabilities. Pennington Family Foundation is a lead supporter of the center, among organizatons that we back to give children a chance to live great lives.