KERRY M. KIRSPEL
Several agencies benefited from the generosity of a local casino and a muralist this week.
On Monday afternoon, the Bossier City Fire Department, the Bossier Arts Council and the American Cancer Society each received donations of $500 from artist Chris Opp and Margaritaville Casino.
The presentations were made on the third-floor roof, where Opp’s giant mural of palm trees grace the casino’s southern façade. Opp recently completed repainting the artwork.
Opp donated the cash to the Bossier Arts Council and the American Cancer Society, while the fire department’s donation came from Margaritaville Casino.
“I’m the one that orchestrated it because I wanted to give back,” Opp said.
Ro Morvant, the American Cancer Society’s senior development director for Northwest Louisiana, said of their donation, “It’s super-important. This will actually go toward breast cancer research and programs for breast cancer patients through the American Cancer Society.”
Ashley Warner, a breast cancer survivor, said, “Anybody that does something like this, they take a little time out of their artwork to think about the American Cancer Society and the fire department, it just means a lot to the survivors -- and the nonsurvivors, too.”
Alex Richardson, who accepted the check on behalf of the Bossier Arts Council, said of the donation, “It’s always great as a non-profit gallery. Something like this really helps in our mission to help showcase and grow local art in our community.”
How does he think the money will be used? “More than likely, it’ll go towards increasing efforts for outreach. We have a lot of things going on with our council, like Project Art Supplies, now that school is starting back up. It might help with that, bringing in art supplies for students and teachers so teachers don’t have to buy it on their own dime.”
Capt. Matt Lauterbach of the Bossier City Fire Department said of their donation, “It’s awesome anytime we get involved with the pillars of the community like the casinos out here. Our chief will disseminate those funds how he feels about it, and I’m sure it will end up in the hands of our guys for something that will benefit us for years to come.”
Lauterbach said, “We show up and do our job, and we’re proud to do it.”