As the state of Louisiana becomes a new hot spot as the coronavirus spreads, Thursday afternoon, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and wife Brittany announced they have pledged to donate $5 million to COVID-19 relief efforts. Just days after signing a 2 year, $50 million contract, Brees says this donation will be deployed throughout the year as the quarterback aims to address food insecurity in Louisiana.
“Brittany and I are committing $5,000,000 to the State of Louisiana in 2020,” Drew said. “The priority now is helping our communities get through this tough time.”
“After considerable research and conversations with local organizations, we will be mobilizing our partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, Ochsner Health Systems, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Smalls Sliders and Waitr to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana for as long as it takes to children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need.”
He added, “Let’s all do our part, maintain hope, and get through this together.”This is the largest pledge made by an American pro sports athlete while fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, March 20, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank announced they will give nearly $5.4 million in funding for immediate and long-term recovery assistance to organizations providing critical support throughout Georgia and Montana.“As a Family Foundation we have always believed that it is the power of many that will make the greatest impact on the most pressing issues in our society,” said Arthur M. Blank, Chairman of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “This is that moment – to join together to truly harness the power of all of us to address a challenge that knows no boundaries and has no precedent in our lifetimes.”The Foundation will grant $5 million to the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund established by United Way of Greater Atlanta and Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. This new fund is focused on serving the immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations who are suddenly facing a gap in support, and funds will go to nonprofit organizations that address food insecurity, housing stability, medical supports and childcare, among other pressing concerns.
On March 18th, Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan both gave $50,000 to The Giving Kitchen, an Atlanta-based organization that helps Georgia restaurant workers in crisis.
“Food service workers are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. These are jobs where if you get sick or you get hurt, there really isn’t a place for you,” explained Bryan Schroeder, executive director of The Giving Kitchen. “The impact of COVID-19 on the food service industry is going to stress every single person’s pocketbook–the restaurants and the employees–and so people who may have been able to get through an injury or an illness before without Giving Kitchen are going to desperately need our help.”
