B&N Chief Gives $20M for Katrina Relief

Money will support building of 20 new houses

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2008 8:01 PM CST

(Newser) – The chair of Barnes & Noble and his wife are donating $20 million to New Orleans in what may be the biggest Katrina relief project yet, the AP reports. Leonard Riggio said today that the funds will build 20 new houses in a racially mixed neighborhood for lower-income families. Those who win a lottery can trade in a storm-damaged home for a new one.

Riggio broke ground today in a ceremonial kick-off for “Project New Home" in the city's Gentilly neighborhood. Building of the elevated, candy-colored homes will begin in spring and is expected to wrap in about a year. “There’s a sense of urgency to this project,” he said.

Leonard Riggio, left, chairman of Barnes & Noble, smiles with his wife Louise Riggio at the announcement of a $20 million donation to build houses for low-income families in New Orleans Tuesday, Feb.... (Associated Press)

Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble, holds a shovel at the groundbreaking where he announced a $20 million donation to build houses for low-income families in New Orleans Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008.... (Associated Press)

Len Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble, speaks as he announces $20 million to build houses for low-income families in New Orleans Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008. The project is believed to be the largest single... (Associated Press)

Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble, smiles at the announcement that he is going to donate $20 million to build houses for low-income families in New Orleans Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex... (Associated Press)

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B&N Chief Gives $20M for Katrina Relief

Money will support building of 20 new houses

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Two Cops Get Long Sentences in Katrina Killing

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'Hurricane Katrina didn’t turn petty theft into a capital offense'

Ex-Cop Gets Max Sentence in Katrina Shooting Coverup

Michael Hunter gets maximum allowed sentence

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Says he burned corpse to prevent 'rot'

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B&N Chief Gives $20M for Katrina Relief

Money will support building of 20 new houses

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Hurricane Katrina • New Orleans • housing • houses • reconstruction • Katrina aftermath • Leonard Riggio • Louise Riggio • Barnes & Noble

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

Two Cops Get Long Sentences in Katrina Killing

David Warren gets 25 years, Gregory McRae 17 in death of Henry Glover

3 Cops Found Guilty in Post-Katrina Killing

'Hurricane Katrina didn’t turn petty theft into a capital offense'

Ex-Cop Gets Max Sentence in Katrina Shooting Coverup

Michael Hunter gets maximum allowed sentence

New Orleans Cop Denies Cover-Up in Katrina Killing

Says he burned corpse to prevent 'rot'

No Katrina Recovery for Lower Class

Government efforts have helped the affluent

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Newser By Users

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