New Orleans Saints Stars Team Up to Honor Will Smith with
“Santa with the Smiths” Charity Holiday Dinner
Teammates and family invite community to donate to needy families in honor of former New Orleans Saints defensive end
What: New Orleans Saints Stars Cam Jordan, James Laurinaitis as well as former Saints Mike McKenzie and Deuce McAllister are honoring former teammate Will Smith by continuing his annual charity “Santa with the Smiths” this December. In keeping with Smith’s vision, each family will receive gifts from their own personalized wish list, a holiday meal with the Smith family, a visit from Santa and an evening of fun and celebration. Along with Smith's former teammates, the Cajun Buckeyes, the New Orleans booster club from Smith's alma mater Ohio State will be volunteering to shop, wrap and deliver gifts.
“Will wanted families to get more than just a gift card or shopping spree,” said former teammate Cam Jordan. “He wanted each family to feel individually loved and cared for, with personal gifts and hand wrapped presents. I’m very excited and touched to be able to continue his legacy this holiday season and give that experience to families who need it the most.”
Over the years, this event has grown from helping 7 families to 25+, and a partnership was established between Will Smith’s Where There’s a Will There’s A Way Foundation and the Kingsley House. However, every year before now, it was directly funded by Will and Raquel Smith.
In order to help fund the event this year, family and partners invite the community to donate through their FanAngel campaign page. Every $500 donated will feed a family and buy several gifts for the children. All money donated is tax deductible, and goes directly to the Kingsley House Inc., a 501c3 organization.
When: Tuesday, December 6
Where: FanAngel
Donations to the Kingsley House, Inc. can be submitted through the FanAngel page.
About the Kingsley House:
Kingsley House is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Southeast Louisiana by collaboratively working with others to build a comprehensive system of services and resources that meet the needs of our recovering community. Founded in 1896, Kingsley House, a United Way community impact partner, has served the children and families of New Orleans through times of dramatic change for 113 years. Kingsley House remains a safe haven to countless children and families and a beacon of hope for our community’s future. For more information visit, www.kingselyhouse.org
About the FanAngel:
FanAngel is a “sports-driven” fundraising and awareness platform specifically designed for teams, athletes, schools, and fans. To enhance outreach and appeal, FanAngel has focused on features that bring greater value and enjoyment to the hard work of sports fundraising. Unique features like Performance Pledges and Connected Campaigns make FanAngel the perfect tool for professional players and teams (Washington Capitals, New York Red Bulls, Von Miller) as well as high school and youth sports. For more information visit, www.fanangel.com