On Friday, Dec.13, New Orleans Saints players Roman Harper, Lance Moore, Pierre Thomas, Jahri Evans, and Malcolm Jenkins are being honored at IrvingMorris and United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s 3rd Annual Hope for the Holidays Gala presented by Cox Oil at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.To date, there are still hundreds of families in the greater New Orleans area that remain displaced from Katrina in 2005 – many doubled or tripled up in family homes, or living in gutted or partially complete homes or apartments they cannot afford.This along with Hurricane Isaac in 2012 has left hundreds of families with no hope this holiday season.So, for the fourth year in a row, Saints players have teamed up with IrvingMorris and United Way of Southeast Louisiana to support the Hope for the Holidays campaign.Saints players who have participated in this campaign include Roman Harper, Lance Moore Malcolm Jenkins, Jahri Evans, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, and Mark Ingram; also former Saints Jermon Bushrod and Courtney Roby and retired Saint Darren Sharper have all joined the efforts of their fellow Saints teammates.The Gala dinner will be emceed by TV personality and former NBA champion, John Salley; and film and TV actress from One Tree Hill and star of FOX television’s highly anticipated new drama, Gang Related, Shantel VanSanten.The evening will include talented Louisiana recording artist, MacKenzie Bourg, from NBC’s Emmy Awarding Winning show “The Voice.”Grammy nominated recording artist, film and television actress, host, and entrepreneur Christina Milian will also be present to speak and show her support for the cause.Over the past 4 years the Hope for the Holidays campaign has been responsible for rebuilding the homes of over 20 families.The Gala, which honors all of the Saints players listed, is an opportunity to generate even more funds for additional rebuilds.New Orleans Saint player, Roman Harper explains, “It is such an honor to be a part of Hope for the Holidays and to be in a position where I can give back to others in such an impactful way, especially to a community that is so meaningful, and to families that are so deserving.”CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana adds, “Hope for the Holidays is an example of how players and former players give back off the field. These men have made a tremendous difference in the lives of the people they have helped and the neighborhoods they have helped revitalize. To me, this is what the holidays are all about—hope for the future”.For additional information regarding the Gala or making a donation go to the United Way website at www.unitedwaysela.org/hope
Celebrities celebrate Hope for the Holidays honoring Saints players
