FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 4/15/2010 6:00:00 PM

Coast Casinos Celebrate Earth Day with Deer Island Clean Up

BILOXI, Miss. – Beau Rivage and Hard Rock Biloxi casinos are once again partnering with Mississippi Power’s Renew Our Rivers program to host an Earth Day cleanup on one of the Coast’s most precious natural resources - Deer Island.

On April 22, casino employee volunteers, along with other community members, will set out to “Clean Our Little Corner of the Earth,” in one of the first community-owned Renew Our Rivers events in Mississippi.

“Beau Rivage employees are proud to team up with our colleagues at Hard Rock Biloxi on Earth Day to create awareness and make a difference in the community,” said Beau Rivage Diversity Council President Dominick Gaeta. “Our motto is to ‘Always bet on green’ and we take tremendous pride playing an active role in cleaning up our little corner of the Earth.”

“Hard Rock Biloxi is very excited to team with Beau Rivage to celebrate Earth Day with the Renew Our Rivers Deer Island Cleanup,” said Duncan McKenzie, President and General Manager of Hard Rock Biloxi. “One of our key mottos is ‘Save the planet,’ and we truly take pride in our community.”

Mississippi Power’s Renew Our Rivers program began in 2006 with annual cleanups that have resulted in more than 115 tons of trash being removed from the state’s Southeast waterways and shorelines. In order to have a greater effect on more waterways, the utility is reaching out and providing logistical support to encourage other community partners in having their own cleanups.

The casino-sponsored Deer Island Cleanup is the first of two community-owned Renew Our Rivers events that will be held during Earth Day Week. A second cleanup, sponsored by the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Greenways Committee, will be held Friday, April 23, at McLeod Park on the Jourdan River.

“When it comes to environmental initiatives, both Beau Rivage and Hard Rock Biloxi lead by example, starting with their employees,” said Mississippi Power spokeswoman Cindy Duvall. “Both have been valuable and active partners on Mississippi Power-sponsored cleanups for several years. It’s exciting to see that enthusiasm grow into their own employee-led efforts.”

Along with Mississippi Power, the Department of Marine Resources, Harrison County Beautification and other partners are working with the casinos to provide logistical support for the much needed cleanup of the island.

“Deer Island is a favored recreational area for residents and tourists alike. It boasts the simple beauty of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is a treasure to all who have walked its shore,” said Ali Leggett of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ Coastal Preserves Program. “However, with its close proximity to the mainland, debris removal is a continuous effort. With the combined resources and enthusiasm of these partnerships, we are able to ensure the island’s health and beauty for generations to come.”

The Renew Our Rivers Deer Island Earth Day cleanup is open to the public. Interested volunteers should arrive at Biloxi Small Craft Harbor on April 22 at 7:30 a.m. to register and board transportation to Deer Island. Complimentary lunch, refreshments and Earth Day t-shirts will be available to volunteers while supplies last.

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For More Information:
Mary Cracchiolo-Spain, Beau Rivage
mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com
(228) 386-7134