Leno to star in oil disaster benefit

BILOXI, Miss., July 22 (UPI) -- Jay Leno has been booked to perform a benefit for Mississippians impacted by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino said Thursday.

"Stand Up for the Gulf Coast: A Special Evening with Jay Leno to Benefit the Gulf Coast Community Foundation" is to take place Aug. 21 at the Beau Rivage Theatre.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Mississippi Oil Spill Recovery Fund, established to benefit and support non-profit organizations working to help Mississippi Gulf Coast communities, individuals and wildlife impacted by the oil spill, organizers said.

The fund not only provides emergency grants to non-profit organizations helping the victims of the oil spill, but it helps address the long-term economic, environmental, and cultural effects of the disaster and strengthen coastal communities against future environmental catastrophes by investing in solutions.

"It's great to be able to do shows like this," Leno said in a statement. "We did it for flood victims in Iowa; we did it for auto workers in Detroit; we did it for victims of Katrina and others. We tell a few jokes and help out people."

"Not only is Jay one of the country's premier comedians, he and his wife Mavis are incredibly generous people," added George P. Corchis Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM Resorts International's Mississippi Operations, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi and the Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. "Even though he is one of America's favorite and busiest TV personalities, he remains passionate about performing in front of live audiences and enjoys helping those in need. We are honored to have him grace our stage and host a post-performance meet & greet cocktail reception for his fans -- all to benefit oil spill victims in the region."