Benny Cenac, Houma Businessman and Philanthropist, Shares His Favorite Places to Visit in Terrebonne Parish

Benny Cenac – Houma-area businessman, philanthropist, mariner, and nature lover – wakes up every morning the same way: a cup of coffee, a smile, and a look out of his window to the Intracoastal Waterway. Terrebonne Parish makes up a small portion of the 1,050 mile-Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, but the standing legacy of the Gulf Coast on Southeastern Louisiana culture and ecosystem is what made Benny who he is today and guides his daily activities and interests.

Arlen “Benny” Cenac has lived in Houma nearly all his life, taking over his grandfather’s towing company Cenac Marine Services shortly after graduating from Nicholls State University. Born-and-bred in the Houma-area, Mr. Cenac has a number of suggestions for travelers new to town and looking to laissez les bon temps rouler.

Benny Cenac’s Favorite Places to Learn About Cajun Culture

For travelers new to the Houma-area, Benny suggests a quick walk through the permanent and temporary exhibits at the Terrebonne Museum. There, museumgoers can scour the old-timey photographs of sugar cane farmers and mariners in the Memories of Terrebonne exhibit before admiring the decorative Mardi Gras masks worn by local krewes. One of Cenac’s favorite exhibits is the Native Peoples of Louisiana, where onlookers can marvel at the intricately woven baskets and palmetto-wrapped blow guns crafted by Choctaw and Houma Native American tribes. For those looking to incorporate Cajun customs and traditional Native American designs, Benny highly recommends events at the Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center, located in the heart of Houma’s historic district. There, attendees can try their hand at popular crafts: woodcarving, duck decoy carving, Cajun jam sessions, and other artistic outlets. The Folklife Center hosts multiple permanent exhibits highlighting the rich culture of the area—the interactive Cajun Tool Shed for kids, the Native American Artifacts exhibit, the Louisiana Decoys exhibit, and other changing demonstrations.

Benny Cenac’s Favorite Museum about the Gulf Coast

Visitors to Houma can learn about the Gulf Coast and its oversized impact on the region at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum.
Visitors to Houma can learn about the Gulf Coast and its oversized impact on the region at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum.

Boating is in Benny Cenac’s blood. Even before he took over his family’s towing business – Cenac Marine Towing – at 27 years old, Benny felt an overwhelming connection to the Gulf Coast. The Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum celebrates the relationship between the water and those who rely on water for their occupation and livelihood. The museum preserves and promotes the region’s extensive, historically relevant cultural and economic ties with the surrounding water environment: seafood, water transportation, water-based hunting, gathering and mining industries. Benny Cenac suggests walking through the interactive displays with family and friends—learning how early Louisiana settlers relied on the Gulf for fishing, oystering, and shrimping, before growing and establishing the region as the heart of water-based recreation and the onshore and offshore oil and gas industries. Visitors could spend hours transfixed on the ‘wetlands wall,’ a 46-foot curving mural representing the eco-line of Terrebonne Parish, from the Gulf of Mexico’s deep-water barrier islands through saltwater marshes, brackish shores, the estuary system, freshwater lakes, and “high country.” The exhibit on alligators and alligator farming is the crown jewel of the museum—after all, Cenac spent years working with stakeholders to ensure the American black alligator came off the Endangered Species List.

Benny Cenac, College Student-at-heart, Enjoys Nicholls State University Cultural Programming

Mr. Cenac graduated from Nicholls State University in 1979, continues to be deeply involved with his alma mater—funding an endowed chair, golf carts for the Bridge program, the Oh La La Theatre Series, the new culinary arts building, and more. Nicholls University visitors can scour the Chauvin Sculpture Garden and Nicholls State University Art Studio and see the beautiful, student-made works and sculptures by local artist Kenny Hill. The vividly-colored art pieces are set against the shimmering shades of green so synonymous with the Bayou. Other evenings, Benny suggests watching renditions of Broadway plays and musical numbers at Nicholls’ Mary and Al Danos Theater. Mr. Cenac is particularly excited for the War Bonds: Songs and Letters of World War II and the Tribute to Aretha Franklin concert coming to Oh La La this season.

Benny Cenac’s Favorite Houma-area Places for Good Cajun Eats

When you’re in Houma, check out the gumbo.
When you’re in Houma, check out the gumbo.

Festivals are an integral part of Louisiana culture—and most of the area’s festivals celebrate the unique cuisine privy to the region: gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, fresh seafood, duck, and other delicacies. Benny and his teams at Cenac Marine and Main Ironworks have sponsored many food booths, even winning the top-prize at the Roux for a Reason Charity event for two years in a row! The Cenac family published a cookbook of their favorite Cajun recipes that have been passed along for generations—but it’s the gumbo that keeps everyone coming back for more. A few months ago, Benny even had a chance to share his recipe and cook his famous gumbo in Nicholls University’s state-of-the-art teaching kitchen alongside world-renowned Chef John Folse. While various festivals pepper are on schedule every weekend, some recommendations include the French Food Festival, Roux for A Reason Gumbo cookoff, and the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival right in town.

On non-festival days, Benny suggests visitors check out Melvins Restaurant for steaming Gulf seafood and other dishes showcasing the region’s bounty. A great number of Italians emigrated to Louisiana in the 19th century—and the influence lives on today. Benny Cenac also recommends the myriad of Italian specialties at West Main Pizza and Spaghetti House for Houma travelers looking for a bite to eat after a long day on the land and Gulf Coast.

Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. Sponsors TARC Gumbo Booth at Annual TFAE Run for Excellence

Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr. and the Cenac Marine Services team proudly sponsored both the Terrebonne Foundation for Excellence (TFAE) 5K run and the Terrebonne ARC Foundation food booth after the run.

On Saturday, May 9th, more than 600 runners and nearly 3,000 individuals from all over Terrebonne Parish came out for the Terrebonne Foundation Run for Excellence 5K and “the best after-party” in downtown Houma. Arlen Benny Cenac Jr., CEO of Houma business Cenac Marine Services, has long valued academia and childhood-development and was pleased to support  Terrebonne Parish public education and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Cenac Marine sponsored a TARC booth, which served their famous chicken and sausage gumbo to guests.

The event is the primary fundraiser for the Terrebonne Foundation for Excellence (TFAE) and has raised over a million dollars in nearly two decades years for local educators to fund their programs through grants. The all-you-can-eat-and-drink after-party was the pinnacle of the day—and people came from all over to taste the delicious Cajun specialties offered by forty local vendors and dance to THE FLAMETHROWERS, the number-one party rock cover band in Louisiana.

“Since our inception, TFAE has given more than $1 million in grants to our local public-school teachers through our grant program,” said Kate Portier, the TFAE executive director. “In this current school year alone, TFAE will have funded nearly $95,000 in supplies, innovative projects, and classroom initiatives. We provide grants for new teachers and for innovative projects to engage their students.”

Grants have gone for 300 South Terrebonne High School English students to visit the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane University and see Macbeth, for Ready Reading workbooks for students at Acadian Elementary School ahead of the English Language Arts portion of the LEAP test, Houma Junior High School “Girls Who Code – Breaking Down STEM Barriers” program to purchase Chromebooks and other materials, Montegut Elementary School’s “We Are the World News Club,” where students will receive boxes each month that contain snacks, art, literature from different countries that they are studying about,

Ainsley’s Angels, a group that pairs children and adults with disabilities with a running partner at events across the nation, sent a cohort to the 2018 Run for Excellence. “They work together to enjoy the race and cross the finish line,” Portier said. “It’s a great organization that shows the power of teamwork and inclusion.” Avid philanthropist Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. has contributed thousands of dollars to charities such as the Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens and Make-A-Wish Foundation, and other organizations that specifically benefit individuals with special needs and children. “I am very fortunate and pleased to continue my support of regional, national, and international organizations all working to better the lives of children everywhere,” said Arlen Benny Cenac Jr., “As a local resident and business owner, I am deeply invested in the success of the region and pleased to support so many worthy causes happening and helping right here in Houma.”

Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. sponsors Terrebonne ARC gumbo booth at TFAE Run for Excellence
Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. sponsors Terrebonne ARC gumbo booth at TFAE Run for Excellence

Arlen Benny Cenac Jr., owner of Cenac Marine Services, has been a longtime supporter of TFAE and Terrebonne ARC and expressed just how grateful he is to have taken apart in such a worthy cause—and participate in an awesome day of celebration in the Houma community. “The TARC group is made up of some of the most kindhearted and giving people you will ever meet. I’m always privileged to work with them.  It was a joy and honor to know my team was able to provide them with what they needed to succeed to have a wonderful time at the TFAE Food Fest.”

Terrebonne ARC was founded in 1953 and remains a pivotal organization within the greater parish community. TARC provides innovative services, the opportunity for community inclusion and the enjoyment of a meaningful life for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in Terrebonne Parish. They pride themselves on promoting advocacy empowerment and full participation for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Terrebonne Community. The organization operates a number of vocational programs and services throughout Terrebonne Parish: four Cedar Chest Thrift Boutiques and their donation sites, Bon Appetit Cafeteria, TARC’s Buy-U Beads, Cajun Confections, Houma Grown Salsa and Pepper Jelly, Bayouland Yard Crew, Krewe of TARC, Grand Designs printing company, Lagniappe Cleaning Company, and TARC Restaurant and Gift Shop. ARC offers a myriad of employment options, Options Plus (Day Habilitation), Supported Independent Living, and Personal Care Attendant services. The organization hosts an array of other programming including a day program, family support, health services, transportation services, a wellness center and gum, and arts and music therapy. To learn more about Terrebonne ARC or know of someone who may want to participate in the organization, please visit their site at http://www.terrebonnearc.org.

Arlen Benny Cenac Jr.: Business Owner, Philanthropist, Gumbo Lover

Benny Cenac Jr. often sponsors events around the community and regularly donates to schools and organizations within Southeastern Louisiana. A proud alum of Nicholls State University, Benny Cenac Jr. is most fond of his involvement with the Nicholls State University College of Business Advisory Board, Nicholls State University Foundation, the Bridge to Independence Program, and the Nicholls State University Culinary School.

Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. and Cenac Marine sponsors TARC gumbo booth
Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. and Cenac Marine sponsor TARC gumbo booth at TFAE Run for Excellence

Over the years, Mr. Cenac has contributed to organizations within his parish, the state of Louisiana, and dozens of other national and international causes. These include organization such as the Houma-Terrebonne NAACP, O.N.E./C.H.A.N.G.E., Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Arlen Benny Cenac Jr. is already excited for next year’s Run For Excellence! Mr. Cenac is proud to see his small fishing town along the Intracoastal Waterway grow into an economic center and cultural landmark for future generations, and is happy to offer his continued support for the tremendous efforts by the TFAE and local education leaders, as well as the hard-working members of Terrebonne ARC, as they mold and instruct the next generation of Houma leaders.

To read more about Arlen Benny Cenac Jr.’s Philanthropic Activities see:

Benny Cenac of Houma Donates to the Oh La La Theatre Series at Nicholls State University

Benny Cenac Jr., CEO of Cenac Marine Services, Sponsors TFAE Run for Excellence

Cenac Towing and Son Rise Music Fest

Benny Cenac, Business Owner, and the SLCC Open House

On Friday, October 26, 2018, the sun was shining and the smell of a fresh Boucherie was in the air as members of the Benny Cenac business, Cenac Marine Services, attended a celebration for a partner in maritime education.  South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) celebrated their new and recent partnership at the Maritime and Corporate Training Center in Houma.

SLCC hosts a Marine Operations program within their Continuing Education outpost of their Corporate College to support the needs of businesses and industries throughout South Louisiana. The Marine Operations program provides specialized Coast Guard-approved classroom instruction and practical training to prepare students for many jobs available in the field.

SLCC administrators along with area dignitaries shared remarks and then later enjoyed the afternoon over delicious food and a discussion of what exciting things are to come in the future for both parties as they partner together.

The program began with a warm welcome from Mr. Anthony Baham of SLCC and was followed by fellow representatives of SLCC:  Dr. Craig McClain and Dr. Kristine Strickland.  Also in attendance were Mr. Gordone Dove, Parish President, Mr. Jerome Zeringue, Represented of District 52, and Ms. Beryl Amedee, Representative of District 51.

The SLCC Maritime training program is enhanced from the refurbished barge donated by Benny Cenac, business leader and philanthropist.
The dedicated barge is an exact replica of a standard Cenac Marine Services tank barge and will allow for the highest quality education and training.

Mr. Walt Cenac with the Benny Cenac Towing Company was in attendance of the open house for CEO and Owner, Benny Cenac. The company donated a fully refurbished barge to SLCC’s Maritime Training program back in November 2017. The dedicated barge, which measures 158 feet by 40 feet, is an exact replica of a standard Cenac Marine Services tank barge with all the bells and whistles. The barge is located in Munson Slip in Houma, just off the Houma Navigation Canal. These updated real-life barge features now allow for the highest quality education and training for those that attend the program that are set to be the next generation of maritime industry leaders.

Cenac’s donated fully refurbished barge has everything a current Cenac employee would work with on a daily basis. Benny Cenac, Houma business owner, proudly announced that it is the most state-of-the-art training barge in Louisiana, and likely the most advanced of its kind within the Gulf Coast.

Cenac Marine had donated the barge to the state years ago for use in workforce development. Members of the board of supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System approached Benny Cenac to see if his towing business would partner with the area schools to modernize the training barge. Mr. Cenac jumped at the chance to aid local students and interested professionals committed to training and strengthening the local maritime workforce.

Benny Cenac, Business Leader and Philanthropist for Education-Related Causes

Benny Cenac, business magnate from Houma, has long supported higher-education programs throughout the state of Louisiana. Mr. Cenac understands the value of education and dedicates his resources to supporting those who love to learn. Benny Cenac’s business successes at Cenac Marine Services has prompted his support for maritime-focused training programs to ensure a continued and thriving maritime industry within his home state.

Benny Cenac, business owner and philanthropist, celebrated with their partner for maritime education at the Maritime and Corporate Training Center in Houma.
Benny Cenac, business owner, at a related event

Workforce development is always at the top of Benny Cenac’s list business priorities—and community partnerships like this one are crucial for orchestrating workforce development systems in such vital industries.

“Terrebonne Parish is and always will be near and dear to our hearts here at Cenac as our birthplace,” explained Cenac. “This company will always invest in continuing to produce the best marine personnel in the business. This also assists in making training more readily available to the area. We are all for supporting maritime education, especially so close to home.”

Cenac noted that students and existing mariners in the Terrebonne area were forced to travel for certain classes to less-convenient areas like Slidell, LA, east of New Orleans.

“Now our employees will be able to have a place right in their backyard to do this,” Cenac said.

The very first open enrollment SLCC Maritime Training class began in August. Depending on the size of the class, hands-on barge training can last approximately eight hours long. The goal of the South Louisiana Community College and their Maritime training program is to offer the class every two weeks, depending on instructor availability. They currently have two Cenac Boat Captains serving as tankerman instructors during their off time.  The Cenac instructors have been certified through the state of Louisiana to teach the course. It takes a total of 32 hours to complete the tankerman training course. After completion of the course, they are required to complete basic firefighting training before they can become a certified Tankerman.

Benny Cenac stated, “From the very start of this project I have been excited about what we can offer to the community and to those interested in becoming Tankermen. My company and I are fortunate to have the opportunity to provide a hands-on learning experience to many people for years to come.”

The Benny Cenac Towing Company was very proud to be a part of the open house that took place at the Maritime Training Center. The event was perfect and closed out with words from Mr. Stevie Smith in place of Mr. Vinny St. Blanc, Louisiana’s Community and Technical College’s (LCTCS) Board of Supervisors.

“When you look at higher education where we’ve had so many budget cuts, and a man steps up and offers equipment or a simulator in support of our community technical college, it speaks to his love for his community and his state,” Willie Smith said. “We appreciate you, Mr. Cenac, and all that you’ve done for us in support of the community and technical college.”

The barge dedication ceremony featured a benediction from Father Mark Toups from the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and a prayer from the Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, vicar general of the diocese and pastor of St. Bridget Church in Schriever, La. The ceremony concluded when representatives from SLCC and the Cenac family shattered bottles of champagne over the bow of the tank barge.

To learn more about South Louisiana Community College and its Maritime training offerings, please visit, http://www.solacc.edu. More information on this inaugural class was featured on Workboat’s website.  To read about the barge dedication that took place in 2017 please see this article.

Read More about Benny Cenac’s Education and Philanthropic Activities:

https://arlenbennycenac.com/benny-cenac-houma-donates-oh-la-la-theatre-series-nicholls-state-university

https://cenac.com/benny-cenac-houma-donates-golf-carts-nicholls-state/

https://arlenbennycenac.com/benny-cenac-jr-funds-ed-white-progress

Benny Cenac Jr., CEO of Cenac Marine Services, Sponsors TFAE Run for Excellence

On Saturday, May 11th, more than 755 racers and nearly 2,500 individuals from all over Terrebonne Parish braved the stormy weather and came out for the Terrebonne Foundation Run for Excellence 5K and its famous after-party in downtown Houma. Benny Cenac Jr., CEO of Houma business Cenac Marine Services, has always valued education and childhood-development and was pleased to support  Terrebonne Parish public education and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Cenac Marine sponsored both the volunteer t-shirt and the Terrebonne ARC Food Booth, which served delicious gumbo to guests. The event is the primary fundraiser for the Terrebonne Foundation for Excellence (TFAE) and has raised over a million dollars over the past nineteen years for local educators to fund their programs through grants. The all-you-can-eat-and-drink after-party was the pinnacle of the day—and people came from all over to taste the delicious Cajun specialties offered by forty local vendors and dance to THE FLAMETHROWERS, the number-one party rock cover band in Louisiana.

“Since our inception, TFAE has given more than $1 million in grants to our local public-school teachers through our grant program,” said Kate Portier, the TFAE executive director. “In this current school year alone, TFAE will have funded nearly $95,000 in supplies, innovative projects, and classroom initiatives. We provide grants for new teachers and for innovative projects to engage their students.” Grants this year have included the Houma Junior High School “Girls Who Code – Breaking Down STEM Barriers” program to purchase Chromebooks and other materials, Montegut Elementary School’s “We Are the World News Club,” where students will receive boxes each month that contain snacks, art, literature from different countries that they are studying about, and for $500 worth of classroom supplies to twenty-three new teachers in the parish.

Ainsley’s Angels, a group that pairs children and adults with disabilities with a running partner at events across the nation, sent fifteen participants to the 2019 Run for Excellence. “They work together to enjoy the race and cross the finish line,” Portier said. “It’s a great organization that shows the power of teamwork and inclusion.” Avid philanthropist Benny Cenac Jr. has contributed thousands of dollars to charities such as the Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens and Make-A-Wish Foundation, and other organizations that specifically benefit children and individuals with special needs. “I am very fortunate and pleased to continue my support of regional, national, and international organizations all working to better the lives of children everywhere,” said Benny Cenac Jr., “I am deeply invested in the success of the Southeastern Louisiana region and overjoyed seeing my Houma community come together for such a worthy cause.”

Benny Cenac Houma Business Owner Sponsors Run for Excellence
More the 2, 500 Terrebonne Parish residents came out for the TFAE Run for Excellence for the 5K and all-you-can-eat-and-drink after-party.

Benny Cenac Jr., a third-generation Houma native himself, always looks forward to the Run for Excellence and appreciates the support of the community in joining to fundraise for the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence and the local children.

Benny Cenac Jr.: From Business Owner to Avid Philanthropist

Benny Cenac Jr. often sponsors events around the community and regularly donates to schools and organizations within Southeastern Louisiana. A proud alum of Nicholls State University, Benny Cenac Jr. is most fond of his involvement with the Nicholls State University College of Business Advisory Board, Nicholls State University Foundation, the Bridge to Independence Program, and the Nicholls State University Culinary School.

Over the years, Benny Cenac Jr. has contributed to organizations within his parish, the state of Louisiana, and dozens of other national and international causes. These include organization such as the Houma-Terrebonne NAACP, O.N.E./C.H.A.N.G.E., Terrebonne Association for Retarded Citizens, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Benny Cenac Jr., who continues to operate multiple businesses out of Houma, is proud to see his small fishing town along the Intracoastal Waterway grow into an economic center and cultural landmark for future generations and is happy to offer his continued support for the tremendous efforts by the TFAE and local education leaders as they instruct the next generation of Houma leaders.

Benny Cenac of Houma Donates to the Oh La La Theatre Series at Nicholls State University

Benny Cenac, CEO of Cenac Marine Services of Houma, Louisiana, was happy to announce a donation to Nicholls State University’s second annual popular Oh Là Là theater series. The event, which has attracted a variety of audiences in the region, includes music originating in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s from the beaches of California to the heart and soul of Motown, all held at the Mary and Al Danos Theater.

Thanks to the gracious gift by Benny Cenac, a Houma native, the donations were puts towards several funds and projects necessary to make the show a reality, including renovations on the Mary and Al Danos Theater totaling upwards of $9.6 Million. In addition, Benny Cenac, who has always been a major proponent for the arts and education, was grateful to see the growth of the event that started the year prior.

In a statement by Dr. Bruce Murphy, Nicholls State University President, the name Oh Là Là is an homage to Al Danos, who enjoyed conversing in French. The Danos family, whose parents graciously donated $1 million toward the theater’s renovation, released a statement in support of Nicholls’ upcoming series.

“Mom and Dad would have loved this and attended every show,” The Danos family said. “Oh Là Là is exactly what Dad had in mind when he started raising money for the theater.”

Benny Cenac: Supporter of the Arts & Conservation Efforts in Houma

Benny Cenac, who is a graduate of Nicholls State University himself, expressed his gratitude to his alma mater in putting on this incredible event for the community members of Houma, and is always grateful for the opportunity to contribute to events that bring the community together. Benny Cenac has also served on the Nicholls State Foundation board, Nicholls State College of Business Advisory Board, and previously donated golf carts to the Nicholls State University Bridge to Independence Program.

Benny Cenac Houma donates to Nicholls State Oh La La Theater Series in Louisiana
The first half of the Series began in October of 2018, featuring Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute, The Victory Belles, and The Diamonds who performed an incredible holiday

The first half of the Series began in October of 2018, featuring Sail On: The Beach Boys Tribute, The Victory Belles, and The Diamonds who performed an incredible holiday show. The second half of the series will kick off with The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. Then it’s The Chipper Experience: Where Comedy and Magic Collide at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 before the series closes with Shadows of the 60’s: A Tribute to Motown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 16.

According to an article by Nicholls State University, The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is a full-scale symphonic orchestra located in New Orleans. Founded in 1991, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is the oldest full-time musician-governed and collaboratively-operated orchestra in the United States.

Chipper Lowell brings his popular show, the Chipper Experience, which combines clean, but edgy, comedy with quirky magic and hilarious banter with audience members. His shows, which have been admired by many, have been known to include a flying turtle, juggling medieval weaponry, tossing body parts, bizarre stunts, mind-reading and zany inventions. Lowell’s television appearances include Masters Of Illusion, Don’t Blink, The Tonight Show, Disney Channel, Empty Nest, The MDA Telethon, Show Me The Funny!, General Hospital, America’s Funniest People and Everybody’s Talking.

As an avid philanthropist and Houma native, Benny Cenac is always fortunate for the opportunity to support the arts and educational inspirations of those in his beautiful community of Houma. In addition to managing several local businesses, Benny Cenac also manages his own refuge in Houma where he cares for a variety of different animals at Golden Ranch Farms – Louisiana’s largest privately owned animal refuge.

In addition, Benny Cenac has also donated to conservation efforts in Houma, where he has taken a leading role in protecting the states’ pristine coast from coastal erosion. Even on several of his own properties in Houma, Benny Cenac has instilled these conservation efforts as he continues to protect the land with flood control structures.

In regard to this incredible event, upper-level season tickets are available for $150 and single tickets are $30, while lower-level season tickets are $180 and single tickets are $35. To purchase tickets for the upcoming series, call Jeanne-Morgan Gernon at 448-4270 or email at jm.gernon@nicholls.edu.

For more on Oh La La, click here.

To learn more on Benny Cenac philanthropic efforts, click here.

To learn more about Benny Cenac’s conservation efforts, click here.

Benny Cenac Houma Businessman and Philanthropist

For Benny Cenac, Houma, Louisiana is where it all started. He was born and raised along the Intercoastal Waterway of Houma and Terrebonne Parish. Benny Cenac is an entrepreneur and avid philanthropist, who has devoted time and resources to giving back to the community in support of coastal restoration efforts. Among other things, Arlen Benny Cenac is a lover of southern cooking and enjoys the culture of all things Cajun.

Benny Cenac Businessman

As third-generation owner of Cenac Marine Services, formally known as Cenac Towing Company, he is guided by the values and principles that his grandfather, Ovide “Jock” Cenac, established with the company over 85 years ago. Since his grandfather’s early business days, Benny Cenac’s family has played a critical role in the economy of Houma and Terrebonne Parish.

The family’s oyster business, which his grandfather also started, soon became a focal point of the local community, earning the city the recognition of the Oyster Capital of the World. It even replaced sugar as the premier commodity at the time. Soon after, he used his oyster boats in the growing oil and gas industry in Terrebonne Parish. A decade later, Jock Cenac began converting his wind-powered ships into the motorized vessels used today.

Benny Cenac Houma Businessman

Benny Cenac is also founder of Golden Ranch Farms just outside of Houma. A 52,000 acre property, it serves as a refuge for many animals in the Houma area and as Louisiana’s largest privately owned refuge. Benny Cenac, a Waterways conservationist, has invested in many flood control structures to help stop salt water intrusion. He has also provided a home to many animals in the area, including white-tailed deer, blackbuck, antelope, oryx, Père David’s deer, fallow deer, and axis.

Benny Cenac Houma Community Leader

Following his grandfather’s and father’s lead, Benny Cenac wanted a career that would allow him to work along Houma’s beautiful waterways. Fortunately, Benny Cenac soon became CEO of his family’s Houma-based business. From then on, Arlen Benny Cenac made a commitment to focus not only on the economy of Houma, but also on protecting the environment and giving back to his community.

Benny Cenac Houma Barge Donation

As a dedicated leader in the Houma community, Benny Cenac has served on many boards and committees, including his own alma mater’s College of Business Advisory Board and the Nicholls State Foundation. He is also a member of many organizations, including the American Waterways Operators, South Central Industrial Association, Bayou Community Foundation and Greater New Orleans Foundation.

Benny Cenac Philanthropist

Arlen Benny Cenac is a firm believer in the notion that only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. As a member of the Houma community, Benny Cenac understands it is his generation’s responsibility to teach students how to live off the land, appreciate it and protect it. Additionally, Arlen Benny Cenac has devoted a large portion of his time and earnings to help restore the Louisiana Coast, which has been sliding into the Gulf of Mexico at a rate of 9mm per year, largely due to human activities in the Mississippi Delta over the past century.

As a Houma native, Benny Cenac is a strong supporter of coastal restoration efforts and continues to work with many great organizations across the state including Restore or Retreat, which seeks to identify, expedite and aggressively engage solutions to urgently achieve comprehensive coastal restoration. Benny Cenac has also donated his time and efforts to some great organizations like the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation.

He continues to focus his time and efforts on giving back in many ways, and is most fond of his involvement with organizations like the Houma-Terrebonne NAACP, O.N.E./C.H.A.N.G.E., American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.

As a graduate of Nicholls State, Benny Cenac understands the importance of education and has made significant contributions to education programs, including a fully refurbished barge that was donated to South Louisiana Community College to provide students in their maritime training program the opportunity to gain hands on experience. 

For Benny, Houma is Home

For Benny Cenac, Houma is the only place he’s considered home. He believes that through the hard work of many, people can continue to enjoy the historic lands of Houma. From the banks of the Intercoastal Waterway, to the diverse array of animals that wonder his property, Benny Cenac believes he is fortunate to call Houma his home.  

Read More from Benny Cenac

Local Entrepreneur Benny Cenac Donates To The Oh La La Theater Series to Nicholls State

Benny Cenac Towing Co. Sponsors Conservation Awards

Benny Cenac and Cenac Marine Donate Barge Now in Use at SLCC