Harrah's Hosts Hurricane Katrina Relief Fundraiser

Members of the entertainment community joined Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour on Sunday, December 18, at Harrah's Entertainment, Inc.'s Grand Casino in Tunica to raise $400,000 for the Mississippi Law Enforcement and Firefighter Katrina Relief Fund, Inc. This fund benefits Mississippi National Guard troops, law enforcement officials, and firefighters who lost their homes during Hurricane Katrina.

Mr. Las Vegas," Wayne Newton, led an all-star cast including Lee Ann Womack, Brittany Murphy, Chris Isaak, Sinbad, Bo Derek, Paul Rodriguez and Neal McCoy during Hurricane Heroes Salute!, a two and a half hour tribute to Mississippi first responders who personally incurred losses, yet helped so many others during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Gov. Barbour was on hand along with military leaders, state and local officials, and the business and social community of Mississippi. During a pre-concert reception, the governor addressed the financial need of the first responders and thanked Harrah's for hosting the event.

Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, Harrah's partnered with the American Red Cross to provide a temporary shelter for victims at the Grand Casino in Tunica. Harrah's provided relocation assistance for more than 130 employees who have relocated to the company's three properties in Tunica from Harrah's-owned properties closed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Approximately 650 affected employees were relocated to Harrah's operated casinos throughout the country. The Harrah's Employee Recovery Fund has received more than $4 million in donations from the Harrah's Foundation, outside vendors, employees and members of the public.

Harrah's Entertainment is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment through operating subsidiaries. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 68 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.