In an act of philanthropy following the devastating New Year's Day terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson and the NFL Foundation have pledged a substantial donation for relief efforts. According to FOX 8 Live, a contribution totaling $1 million will be directed towards assisting those profoundly affected by the tragedy.
The Saints' owner has committed $500,000, an amount which is matched by the NFL's charity branch. "Our community has experienced an unimaginable tragedy, and our collective hearts are broken as we mourn for the victims and survivors of the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans," Benson said in a statement echoed on various outlets including WDSU and WWLTV. This fund is to be managed and released by the Greater New Orleans Foundation and United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
This gesture stands as both an act of solidarity and a symbol of the bonds formed through the mutual love for football that transcends the competitive spirit. "However, through football we are also united and we stand arm-in-arm against all forms of hatred," Benson told WWLTV. The league also plans to pay tribute to the victims with a moment of silence before the kickoff of each game over the weekend.
The New Year's Day atrocity, which saw a truck purposefully driven into a crowd on the historic street, resulted in the loss of 14 lives and inflicted dozens more with injuries, according to details from the FBI released by WWLTV. In response, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, "The NFL is committed to standing with the resilient community of New Orleans during this difficult time." Such actions display the New Orleans Saints and the NFL's deep engagement with the welfare and recovery of the New Orleans community as the city prepares to host Super Bowl LIX in February.
