Harrah's provides fire relief

The funds will be used to provide direct assistance to the working families of Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Harveys and Bill's Lake Tahoe whose homes and property received significant damage from the fire. Assistance will also be provided to other families in the community who were affected by the fire, as well as to charitable organizations assisting in the relief and rebuilding efforts. The fund has been established through the Nevada Community Foundation.

The fire, which burned 3,100 acres in total and destroyed 254 homes, caused the evacuation of more than 300 of Harrah's, Harveys and Bill's Lake Tahoe employees. Five employees and the families lost their homes, while others suffered partial damage to their property. Harrah's hotel and casino properties were not affected by the fire.

"Our initial priority was the safety of our employees, guests and neighbors," says John Koster, Harrah's regional president for northern Nevada. "Now that the fire is out, our focus is on assisting our employees who were affected, and in continuing our support of the community as we begin our rebuilding efforts."

According to Koster, the fire, which started on June 24th, made a slight impact on initial guest numbers, however since July 4th, visitors have returned in force to enjoy events and activities around the South Lake Tahoe area. "We are right in the middle of the 18th annual celebrity golf tournament at Edgewood golf course with one of the most prominent celebrity fields ever seen at the event. We are looking forward to capacity crowds at our outdoor concert series at Harveys, and all of the other activities we've planned for the busy summer season. Fortunately, the many outdoor and indoor recreation attractions and activities that make Lake Tahoe world famous were not impacted by the fire."

Within hours of the fire's outbreak, Harrah's properties began assisting employees, guests and relief workers through various efforts, including:

* donating more than 700 room nights to more than 50 employees and their family members who were displaced or evacuated from the fire;

* working with the American Red Cross to provide free lodging to 65 other families, fire fighters and the U.S. forest service during the crisis;

* distributing more than 2,000 meals throughout the community including to the firefighters, law enforcement and displaced individuals, most of which were delivered by Harrah's employees, as well as providing more than 150 free meals to employees and their families affected by the fire;

* Donating blankets, pillows, toiletry items and other needed amenities to relief workers, displaced community members and service organizations.

In addition, employees from Harrah's properties across the country supported their colleagues through financial donations as well as gift cards.

Donations to the fund can be made to: HHFRF (Harrah's and Harvey Fire Relief Fund), c/o Nevada Community Foundation, 300 S. 4th St., Suite 1009, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The Nevada Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.