Hyatt Regency New Orleans and Make It Right Join Forces

Jun 24, 2011

Earlier this month, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans and Make It Right announced a fundraising campaign to complete Make It Right’s goal to build 150 environmentally friendly homes in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, the neighborhood hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Founded by actor Brad Pitt, founder of Make It Right, the internationally known nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding New Orleans’ poorest communities with safe, green and affordable homes.

In March 2012, Hyatt Regency New Orleans and Make It Right will host “A Night to Make It Right,” a fundraising gala that will celebrate the hotel’s reopening and help to raise vital funds toward the completion of Make It Right’s goal. To kick-off fundraising efforts and demonstrate its commitment to this initiative, Hyatt Regency New Orleans is donating $300,000 to help build two Make It Right homes in the Lower Ninth Ward.

“After Hurricane Katrina, many people said the Lower Ninth Ward could not be rebuilt, but the spirit of the Lower Ninth and its residents is vibrant and resilient. Today, the neighborhood is growing and alive with new homes, playgrounds, gardens and block parties,” said Brad Pitt, Make It Right’s founder. “With the help of generous partners like Hyatt, Make It Right will fulfill our goal of building 150 sustainable homes for those in this community who lost everything in the storm.”

The hotel’s sponsorship of the grand opening charity gala includes cash and in-kind donations for production costs directly associated with the event. Proceeds from the event’s corporate sponsors and ticket sales will go directly to building Make It Right homes. Led by Honorary Chairperson Brad Pitt, who has been a leading voice for the city, the gala will celebrate the culinary and cultural traditions of New Orleans, as well as attract a guest list of major entertainers, government officials, business leaders and philanthropists who have played a key role in Make It Right’s rebuilding efforts.

“Through our relationship with Make It Right, we continue to solidify our commitment to the people of New Orleans,” noted Michael Smith, general manager of the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. “We are proud to toast our milestone re-opening by hosting one of the most noteworthy events to date in the effort to raise funds for the rebuilding of New Orleans.”

For more than 30 years, Hyatt Regency New Orleans — centrally located downtown adjacent to the Louisiana Superdome — has been one of the most important and largest hotels in New Orleans. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Hyatt Regency New Orleans played a vital role in serving as the center of operations for the city’s leadership and recovery efforts. Hyatt Corporation and hotel ownership made a commitment to restore Hyatt Regency New Orleans to its stature as one of the city’s grandest hotels, and following a $275 million redesign and revitalization, the hotel is scheduled to reopen on Oct. 19, 2011.