Joe W. Brown (1897-1959) and Dorothy Dorsett Brown (1896-1989) were dedicated to philanthropy during their lifetimes. The Browns moved to New Orleans in the mid-1920s. They both came from humble beginnings, but they slowly acquired wealth through astute investments in real estate and oil properties.

Mr. Brown drilled a producing oil well in 1946 in Valentine Field, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and continued drilling the field until his death in 1959. Valentine Field was one of the great discoveries in south Louisiana and established Mr. Brown as one of the state's largest independent oil producers.

The Browns owned and raced thoroughbred horses all over the country. The horses raced under the Browns' colors - white and a black "B" with black stars. Some of these famous horses' names were: Brownie, Matagorda, Gigantic, Bobby Brocato, Cabildo, Listcapade, EL Baba and Tenacious. Tenacious is buried in the Fair Grounds' infield.

The majority of the Browns' charitable endeavors during their lifetimes were anonymous with the exception of a shelter for the New Orleans SPCA and the memorial recreation center in the Joe W. Brown Park. In 1957 the donation of 163 acres of property for the park was estimated to be worth in excess of 1 million dollars.

The Brown Foundation was established in 1958 and is now highly involved in funding medical research; housing for the homeless; support for organizations who care for the sick, hungry or helpless; religious and educational institutions; as well as organizations and groups concerned with improving our local community. Mrs. Brown helped guide the direction of the foundation until her death in 1989.

The efforts of the foundation are restricted to the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. The focus is on South Louisiana, the New Orleans area and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Brown Foundation trustees are: D. P. Spencer, David B. Spencer, Betty M. Estopinal, Edwin K. Hunter and Barbara G. Spencer.