FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, February 5, 2007

The City of Arvada, Colorado has once again reached out to Katrina-ravaged victims in Meridian and East Mississippi by announcing a unique fund-raising drive that can be supported by residents in both Arvada and the Meridian area.

Meridian Mayor John Robert Smith and Arvada Mayor Ken Fellman announced jointly today that an Arvada bakery will be taking orders for traditional Mardi Gras King Cakes, with all the proceeds from the sales going to benefit Rebuild East Mississippi, a non-profit agency developed to assist homeowners who cannot afford to make repairs on damage sustained in the hurricane.

Rebuild East Mississippi will have an informational booth at Little Mardi Gras in downtown Meridian on Saturday, February 10, so revelers can pick up fliers with information on how to order the cakes. The colorful and festive King Cakes will be baked and shipped by Rheindlander Bakery in Arvada. Owners Ed and Maro Dimmer made the generous offer to donate the proceeds to REM. Local residents wishing to order can call the bakery toll-free at 1-866-479-2253. Cakes will be available in cream cheese, almond or cinnamon. Cost will be $16.98 plus shipping and handling, for a ¼ sheet, $32.98 plus S&H for a ½ sheet, and $59.98 plus S&H for a full sheet. The bakery accepts Visa and Master Card.

In addition to the Little Mardi Gras festivities, flyers will also be available at Temporary City Hall at 2412 7^th Street and at the REM office at 2721 9^th St. Those interested may also call the REM office at 601-693-1211 for more information.

Jennifer McCraw, REM director, says the money raised will be used to finish repairs on a house that needs new wiring, electrical panels, sheetrock and paint.

The King Cake fund-raiser marks the third time the city of Arvada has come to the aid of the Meridian area. Shortly after Katrina, a representative of Mayor Fellman’s office arrived in Meridian with school supplies. Later, after REM had been organized, the residents of Arvada sent $8,000 worth of gift cards from building supply stores to assist with home repairs.

McCraw says that money has been put to good use. The staff purchased a 12-foot trailer and job box to haul material and tools to job sites; tarps; materials to repair a home heavily damaged by a fallen tree; materials to repair sheetrock and insulation damage to the interior of a home; and windows and lumber for a volunteer house that was donated to REM.

“I am proud to call Mayor Fellman my friend,” said Mayor Smith. “He and the people he serves exemplify the true nature of community, giving of themselves to people they don’t know in a place most of them have never been.”

Mayor Smith said he is also impressed by the people of Arvada’s continuing commitment to rebuilding.

“We knew when the national media spotlight went away, people’s attention would be diverted,” he said. “But the needs are still so great, here and especially on the coast. The people of Arvada have not forgotten and we will not forget them for their generosity.”