For Immediate Release

	December 8, 2005 NEW ORLEANIANS PLAN RALLY IN WASHINGTON "Help Americans Help Themselves-Rebuild the Levees in New Orleans" Frustrated by the slow pace of the federal government's response, Shawna Doremus and Judith Kaufman, both New Orleanians displaced in Pittsburgh, have planned a rally in the nation's capital on Wednesday, December 14, 2005. "New Orleans is one of America's most unique cities, and it is heartbreaking to see the city struggling to get back on it's feet," said Doremus. "We are Americans, we are taxpayers, and Judy and I both personally represent small businesses. We are asking Congress to just help us help ourselves recover. Planning this rally is one small way for us to contribute to the rebirth of New Orleans from afar." The goal of the rally is to increase awareness and political pressure regarding the urgent need to rebuild the levee system and ensure the citizens and businesses of New Orleans that it is safe to return home and rebuild. The goal of the rally is to pressure the President to keep his commitment "to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast." Similarly, the rally will call on Congress to take real action before adjourning for the holiday recess. "The quintessential purpose of government is to protect its citizens," said Kaufman. "We are asking the federal government to protect our city with a levee system,a model for the world, so that the people of New Orleans know that when they come back and rebuild and reinvest it is not in vain. If the Netherlands can protect its country from the ocean then surely America can protect New Orleans from a lake." The rally will begin at 11:00 am (ET) at Lafayette Park in front of the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue . Doremus and Kaufman have been working with U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., in planning the rally. "We simply want to remind our government to continue to care for its own citizens," said Doremus For more information and to sign up to participate in the rally, log on to www.hometown.aol.com/rally4nola Media contact information: Shawna Doremus, (504) 430-7709 Judith Kaufman, (504) 616-4617