If there's one team in the NFL that knows about resilience in the face of a natural disaster, it's the New Orleans Saints, and owner Gayle Benson is aware of how difficult the road ahead will be. In an effort to help in a big way, Benson has donated $1 million to the team's Gulf Coast Renewal Fund, according to a statement from the team.
"...We as an organization want to do everything within our power to assist those who have been impacted by the storm and have activated our Gulf Coast Renewal Fund with Owner Gayle Benson making an initial donation of $1 million to support our community throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast," the statement reads. "Those wishing to donate can do so by going to NewOrleansSaints.com/hurricaneida. We will continue to be in close communication with governmental and community leaders to determine where aid and assistance can most effectively be directed. More details on the fund and other initiatives will be provided in the coming days."
The Saints are also offering up any of their facilities, none of which were damaged in a major way, for use by organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which will use the team's Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
The statement also notes that the team is safe and focused on winning against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, though the Caesars Superdome may not be where that game is played. Though it only received "minor damage," the state of the city's infrastructure will determine when games can return there.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram