Loyola Theatre Arts Costume Director heads effort to reinvigorate Freret Street

Loyola University New Orleans Theatre Arts costume director and extraordinary assistant professor Kellie Grengs, M.F.A., is leading the final push to help a group of Freret Street merchants win a $25,000 grant to revitalize the Freret Street neighborhood. The group, The New Freret, has been selected as a finalist for the National Markham Mark of Distinction Award by Markham Vineyards of St. Helena, Calif.

Markham Vineyards grants two $25,000 awards annually to organizations committed to making a “Mark of Distinction” in their neighborhood, town or city. Out of the hundreds of proposals the organization received, 10 finalists were chosen to compete. The winner is chosen through online voting.

As a board member of The New Freret, Grengs and her colleagues wish to use the funds to re- establish Freret Street as a safe, vibrant, easily accessible destination to eat, shop, play, work and live.

“Award funds would spur economic recovery through a regional marketing campaign, web development, advertising and a security detail for Saturday shoppers,” said Grengs. “This opportunity will enhance the identity of Freret Street as a destination to shop local and support small businesses.”

Those who wish to vote for The New Freret can do so each day through Sept. 7 by visiting the Markham Vineyards website at http:// markhammarkofdistinction.com.

For more information, contact thenewfreret@gmail.com.