Posted on 03/04/2006 4:55:53 PM PST by WestTexasWend
GULFPORT - Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Beauvoir and the Seafood Industry Museum are among the landmark sites designated for an intensive cleanup effort by people from across the United States who work in the tourism industry.
Their visit, set for March 16-19, has been organized by Tourism Cares for Tomorrow in conjunction with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau. The volunteers range from company chief executive officers to hotel clerks, who have all paid $50 to work hard and stay in tent accommodations.
They will get a cap, a couple of T-shirts, some free meals and the satisfaction of helping the Coast rebuild.
About 200 people are flying in and another 100 coming from within driving distance. Anyone else from the tourism industry who wants to take part can sign up online at www.tourismcares.org.
"Frankly, having been here, it makes me a better person and a much more tolerant person," said Bruce Beckham, executive director of Tourism Cares.
Another effort of the nonprofit organization is selling rubber wristbands for $10 with the statement "Tourism Cares for the Gulf Coast." Tourism Cares matches the grant with $10 and Trip Mate Insurance with another $10. So far the sales have raised more than $100,000.
The money will be distributed in grants to hurricane-damaged historical and cultural landmarks from Texas to Florida.
Mississippi ping
Meanwhile some of the motel-dwelling refugees are getting lawyers so they can have breakfast in bed indefinitely.
I meant to add that Mississippi has done an incredible job of cleaning up and moving on with life.
My parents stopped in Biloxi last week for a little while and my Mother says the beachfront makes you want to cry. But she did say that the lighthouse is still standing so that gives me hope.
"They will get a cap, a couple of T-shirts, some free meals and the satisfaction of helping the Coast rebuild."
God love them.
They are, truly, appreciated.
Thank you so much for keeping us informed.
God love YOU, too. ;o)
"But she did say that the lighthouse is still standing so that gives me hope."
It's still standing?
Yippeeee!
I didn't know that!
Thank you! ;o)
That's what my Mom says. You know the one that's in the middle of the highway? My Mom said she didn't know if it weathered the storm without being damaged or if they repaired it quickly but she's still standing. Thank God! When I lived down there as a little girl that's what I always remembered about Biloxi the most.
That lighthouse has weathered many storms.
That lighthouse has weathered many storms.
I can't tell you how tickled I am to know that it's still standing.
I thought it might be in Hattiesburg. ;o)
Thank you, again!
I was going to go there in August on vacation but my Mom advises against it. She said it's nothing like Biloxi was before and the beach is fenced off because they are still cleaning up the debris. She said all the palm trees are broken off. She's not sure if they can salvage Beauvoir. She said it will take a lot of repair but I hope they can salvage it. She said it looked like a war zone. There are small businesses open on Pass Road like McDonald's though. But that lighthouse is still standing so like I said I have hope!
I really feel for everyone on the coast.
I can't imagine what it looks like.
A good friend has been there a couple of times, and sent pictures.
It looks to be worse than a war zone.
And, there is no way the pics can convey the whole truth.
Knowing that the lighthouse is still standing does give one hope!
God bless your mother, and all who are there.
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