NEW ORLEANS — Relief efforts for victims of the Bourbon Street attack victims and their families will receive a $1 million boost from the New Orleans Saints and the NFL, officials announced Saturday.
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson will donate $500,000 to the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way, with the NFL Foundation matching her contribution.
“Our community has experienced an unimaginable tragedy and our collective hearts are broken as we mourn for the victims and survivors on the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans,” said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. “As a league, our cities and teams compete at the highest levels of competition and share spirited rivalries. Our staffs and players work tirelessly towards achieving our goals and we share in victories and defeats. However, through football we are also united and we stand arm-in-arm against all forms of hatred. We will vanquish terror and fear with an unwavering resolve and purpose rooted in love, compassion and kindness. Our focus has always been on providing aid quickly and effectively, and we are grateful for the collaboration with both the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) and United Way to ensure that these funds reach those who need them most.”
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragic events in New Orleans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement released by the team. “The NFL is committed to standing with the resilient community of New Orleans during this difficult time.”
To honor those affected by the tragedy, the NFL will hold a moment of silence before all games this weekend. The attack will also be acknowledged during each game’s broadcast.
The New Year’s Day attack, in which a truck was deliberately driven into a crowd on Bourbon Street, resulted in 14 deaths and dozens of injuries. The FBI has classified the incident as an act of terrorism.
Benson joins New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson and Saints defensive end Cam Jordan who have pledged a combined $125,000 to assist victims and families affected by the Bourbon Street attack.
Click here to learn ways you can donate.
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