Casino news source: The Shreveport Times - http://www.shreveporttimes.com/
Diamond Jacks gives away $230,000 at Friday luncheon.
Property included in gifts casino handed to community.
September 23, 2006
By Maggie Martin
maggiemartin@gannett.com
The community received $230,000 in money and property Friday from Diamond Jacks Casino & Resort, Bossier City, during a Community Introduction Luncheon.
The money is part of $300,000 in donations the property has given the community since it opened July 31 as Diamond Jacks, according to Michael Kelly, president and CEO of Legends Gaming, owner of Diamond Jacks. The casino was formerly Isle of Capri.
Kelly made the announcements that include a gift of property valued at $150,000 to Bossier City.
Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker thought he would be getting a ceremonial handshake and instead Kelly told him that the company would donate a quarter-acre tract of land the city has been eyeing.
"It will be used to extend Arthur Teague Parkway, said Walker.
Other donations:
n $50,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Louisiana that will be used for a Women Build house in Bossier City.
n $25,000 to Shreveport Regional Arts Council, making Diamond Jacks a major Christmas in the Sky sponsor.
n $5,000 to Providence House that will use the money to start a pre-G.E.D. education program for adults.
The property that went to Bossier City parallels Riverside Drive and is one of several pieces of property the city has been looking to acquire for its extension north of the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway. The road currently stops at Hamilton Road.
"It came as a complete surprise and a very welcome one," said Walker. "It is a small sliver of land, but crucial. It is a piece of property we needed to make the road the required width for the parkway."
The city has already bought 13 pieces of property in the area along Riverside Drive between Hamilton Road and Interstate 20 and is looking at buying 15 more.
"We're extremely pleased with their generosity," said Walker.
The donation to Providence House will allow the agency to serve more homeless families, said executive director Simone Hennessee.
Pam Atchison, Executive Director for SRAC, said that in addition to the money, Diamond Jacks had also given the agency major prizes for Sky and committed to a corporate volunteer night.
"What an honor! What a joy to receive this. Thank you for thinking of the arts," said Atchison.
Kristen Johnson, executive director for Habitat, called the $50,000 a wonderful donation. "It will help Habitat for Humanity fulfill our mission and means someone on the waiting list will have a home. We hope to start the house in the early spring and are considering two properties in Bossier," said Johnson.
Kelly also told the 150 attendees, which included state Sen. Lydia Jackson and state Rep. Roy Burrell, that the company wants to be a part of the community.
"We look at this as a coming-out party. Our chance to introduce us to you. We want to continue to do this all the time," said Kelly.
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