Boyd Gaming has announced a donation of $250,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank, a southern Louisiana-based food bank, in support of the region’s communities following the damage caused by Hurricane Ida.
The donation intends to provide financial support for Second Harvest’s ongoing efforts to provide food and water to residents of Jefferson and St Mary’s parishes, home to Boyd Gaming’s Treasure Chest and Amelia Belle properties, and surrounding areas.
These region’s suffered extreme damage from Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in southern Louisiana on August 29.
“Following this terrible storm, our highest priority is the safety and welfare of our southern Louisiana team members and neighbours,” Keith Smith, president and chief executive officer of Boyd Gaming, said of the casino operator’s financial commitment.
“This donation will help our partners at Second Harvest provide much-needed food and water to thousands of local residents who are still trying to recover.
“Additionally, our Treasure Chest and Amelia Belle team members will receive full pay while those properties remain closed, and we will provide them other forms of financial assistance in the coming days as we begin the work of helping them get back on their feet.”
Both aforementioned venues remain closed following the storm, with work continuing to reopen both properties. The company anticipates that the facilities will resume operations within the next week.
Natalie Jayroe, president and CEO of Second Harvest, said: “We are grateful for this extraordinary gift from Boyd Gaming to support Second Harvest Food Bank’s disaster response in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
“Boyd Gaming’s financial commitment will support relief efforts in communities in Jefferson and St. Mary parishes, two areas that were hard-hit by this devastating storm.
“We are receiving daily requests for help from these communities and this gift will help us make the biggest difference we can.”
