2008-08-22 22:29:09 -

- Friends of New Orleans: -0- Who: Lt. Governor Mitchell Landrieu Senator Mary Landrieu Donna Brazile James Carville Walter Isaacson Harry Shearer Moderated by Charlie Mitchell (Editor in Chief, Roll Call), and introduced by Gloria Dittus (Chairman, Friends of New Orleans) What: Briefing to discuss the state of Louisiana post-hurricanes Katrina and Rita during the week of the third anniversary

of the flooding of New Orleans. Panelists will also discuss what has been learned in the years since the storms, the steps the next President and Congress must commit to taking to further Louisiana's recovery, and whether the country is ready for another disaster of this magnitude. Hosted by Friends of New Orleans (FONO). When: Sunday, August 24 at 3:00 p.m. Where: Hyatt Regency Denver (DNC HQ Hotel), 650 15th Street

Credentials are required to enter the Hyatt Regency Denver, however those wishing to attend must sign in at the main entrance to the hotel, and they will be admitted.

Additional Information:

August 29 marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Since the region was devastated by Katrina and Rita three years ago, the resilient residents of the Gulf Coast have come together to help the region recover, and to rebuild their communities in new and innovative ways. There is still a long way to go, however. The distinguished panel will discuss the following questions:

Why rebuild New Orleans?

What is the state of the region today? How far have we come in three years?

How can apply what we have learned since the storms to other communities facing recovery after a disaster, including emergency preparedness, disaster response, and coordination with local organizations?

What can the next President and Congress do to sustain the long-term rebuilding effort and help the groups working tirelessly on the ground?

Friends of New Orleans is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, membership organization for people in the U.S. and abroad who care about the region. Our mission is to advocate for New Orleans and its surrounding parishes, inform people of those key issues that are shaping the national debate and decision making of the rebuilding effort, link individuals who want to help with the communities in the devastated areas and motivate people to take part in the rebuilding effort. (www.friendsofneworleans.org)

for Friends of New Orleans
Patti Mitusi, 818.606.2226
patti@prpgroup.net