The money came on top of USD 4.5 million the world’s largest casino operator had already collected for its staff, said Harrah’s CEO Gary Loveman. „I’ve played in Biloxi many times,“ John said. „I’m just glad we can do a little something for those people’s lives that will never be the same again for many, many years. God bless them.“

Some 4,100 people paid USD 100 to USD 1,000 each to watch the trio take turns on the stage. Loveman said while the benefit came months after the initial hurricane that hit in late August, needs in the area remained large. „At the time, it seemed very far away, February 20,“ Loveman said. „I can tell you having been there in the last week, that our help is needed more today perhaps than ever before.“