The New Freret, a nonprofit organization seeking to promote business on Freret Street, was awarded a $25,000 grant from Markham Vineyards of St. Helena, Ca.
Kellie Grengs, Loyola University New Orleans theatre arts costume director and assistant professor, led the movement for the grant which will be used to bring business activity to Freret Street.
Markham Vineyards offers two $25,000 awards every year to organizations that make a “mark of distinction” in their neighborhood, town or city. An online vote chose the winners of the award.
The grant will help pay for the current website, signage, marketing, advertising, security and possibly monthly street cleaning according to Grengs.
Markham Vineyards will also produce a limited production wine in honor of The New Freret to be released in fall 2011.
