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Covington honors Brook Forward founder; council urges residents to donate blood
Summary
The council presented a proclamation to Marie Rudd Gregory for Brook Forward’s birthday-box program, heard from Blood Center CEO Billy Wheels and unanimously adopted a resolution encouraging Covington residents to donate blood this summer.
The City of Covington recognized Marie Rudd Gregory and the Brook Forward Foundation at its June 2 council meeting, naming Gregory the city’s 2025–26 Citizen of the Year for work distributing more than 3,000 birthday boxes to children experiencing abuse, neglect, foster care, food insecurity or homelessness.
"I didn't think anything when I started in 2019 — I thought I was doing something to make some children happy," Gregory said, describing the program’s role in supporting children’s healing. Executive director Jessica Valader joined Gregory and invited council and residents to volunteer or attend the foundation’s June 12 fundraiser.
The council then heard from Billy Wheels, president and CEO of the Blood Center, who said the region faces seasonal shortages as schools close for summer and hurricane season approaches; he asked the council to adopt a resolution encouraging donations. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and agreed to publish it on the city website and promote local donation events.
Why it matters: The proclamation highlights local nonprofit activity supporting vulnerable children and encourages volunteer involvement; the blood-donation resolution pairs a public-health push with municipal promotion ahead of a period the Blood Center described as critically low for supplies.
What’s next: Brook Forward invited council members and residents to visit its downtown office and its June 12 event; the Blood Center will coordinate donation events and use the council’s resolution in community outreach.
