Mayor Landrieu Calls on Citizens to Help Those Affected by the Mississippi River Flooding

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MAYOR LANDRIEU CALLS ON CITIZENS TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER FLOODING IN ATCHAFALAYA BASIN
Establishes NOLA Pay It Forward Fund

NEW ORLEANS, LA (May 25, 2011) – Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu established the NOLA Pay It Forward fund for New Orleanians to contribute to recovery efforts following the Mississippi River flooding disaster. Created by the City of New Orleans in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the fund will assist those communities impacted by the Mississippi River flooding including those along the Atchafalaya Basin.

“The people of New Orleans understand loss and the importance of helping others,” said Mayor Landrieu. “We want our neighbors to know that we stand ready to assist using any means possible including emergency personnel, equipment, and financial resources.”

“We welcome this partnership with the City of New Orleans and we’re pleased to administer the NOLA Pay It Forward Fund,” said Albert Ruesga, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “The Fund will provide resources for early relief efforts and long-term rebuilding for those communities negatively impacted by the opening of the Morganza spillway.”

The fund received its first pledge today. A percentage of funds raised by the 2011 New Orleans Wine and Food Experience will be contributed to the fund once this weekend’s event concludes.

"The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has been committed to supporting our community from its inception," stated Kevin Kimball, NOWFE President. "There was no question about our support of Mayor Landrieu's NOLA Pay it Forward Initiative. We stand ready whenever our neighbors are in need." The 2011 event began Tuesday evening, May 23 and continues through Saturday, May 28.

Along with encouraging donations to the NOLA Pay It Forward fund, the City is also compiling an inventory of City assets – including manpower and equipment – which will be mobilized for communities in need of assistance.

“All of our public safety agencies stand ready to assist parishes that are deeply affected by this crisis,” said Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Lt. Col. Jerry Sneed. “We recently sent teams to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, earlier this month in the wake of the tornado disasters and will be fully equipped to help our fellow Louisianians in this effort.”

Donations to the NOLA Pay It Forward fund can be made online at http://www.gnof.org/donors/give-now , or by contacting Lauren Cecil, manager of donor relations at the Greater New Orleans Foundation at (504) 598-4663 or lauren@gnof.org.

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