On February 5th, officials of Harrah's New Orleans presented $112,500 in grants to members of 47 local nonprofits who gathered at the casino alongside representatives from the City Council. In 2006, The City Council/Harrah's Community Support Grants Program was established to provide financial support to organizations making substantial contributions to New Orleans' well-being and development. Ever since, the program has awarded $225,000 in funding annually. Council members distribute the endowments at their discretion to institutions which complete the application process. This year's beneficiaries included groups dedicated to environmental, cultural and youth causes.
Affiliates of the program take great pleasure in allocating the grants to area nonprofits. According to Caesars Entertainment regional president and Harrah's New Orleans general manager, Dan Real, "it is always a special occasion when we join our City Council leaders and present these funds to organizations that work to improve the quality of life for citizens across the metro area and preserve New Orleans' unique culture."
