Worthy Causes: Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation

by Karen Gibbs

Beth and Sean Payton really love the people of New Orleans! So much so that in January of this year they organized the Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation to help local children and families impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Since their arrival in New Orleans a year after the storm, they have witnessed firsthand its devastating effects on the Crescent City and the Gulf Coast region. The Paytons believe that helping those less fortunate is not an option but a duty, and their Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation is the vehicle that will enable them to do their part.

As Beth and Sean Payton so aptly express, “We have a dream here, and that is to be able to meet the needs—whatever they may be. And, although it is truly a ‘golden ladder’ in terms of expense, it is one we most certainly must climb if we are to do our duty.”
To that end, funds raised by the Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation will initially go primarily to three proven organizations:

Brad Pitt’s Make It Right NOLA, to sponsor the building of one home for a displaced person or family in the Lower 9th Ward; Blaine Kern’s First Responders Fund, to help families of firemen, police and EMS get back on their feet post-Katrina; and Dr. Phil’s Foundation for children in Louisiana, to make sure all children are safe. The remaining funds will be earmarked for grants to like-minded local non-profits. In its first year, Payton’s Play It Forward is focusing on the children and families in New Orleans. In subsequent years, it will concentrate on other Gulf Coast communities in Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

To help finance this worthy cause, Payton’s Play It Forward Foundation is sponsoring the Black and Gold Gala, its premier fundraiser, October 10 in the Superdome. Payton has tapped national sportscaster Chris Berman as MC for the event and Jimmy Buffett and Irma Thomas as honorary chairs. Individual tickets are available for $250. The evening promises to be elegant and top-notch, with a seated dinner, star-studded list of entertainers, car raffle and live and silent auctions (including a trip to the Saints game in London and a trip to the Super Bowl).

Sean and Beth Payton invite all to join them in their efforts, saying, “Play it forward, one family, one child at a time. Together, through our perseverance, we will make a difference.”

To make a donation or obtain tickets to the gala, go to paytonsplayitforwardfoundation.com.

There are many levels of sponsorship for the Black and Gold Gala, each with enviable perks. Sponsor levels are as follows:

Super Bowl Champions $20,000

Reserved table for 10 in inner circle
Ten guests at pre-gala game party at Harrah’s
Locker room chats with Coach Payton
Full-page ad in program
Mentioned in press releases
Sponsorship gifts

NFC Championship $10,000

Reserved table for ten behind
Super Bowl Champs
Four guests at pre-gala game party at Harrah’s
Four guests for locker room chats with Coach Payton
1/2-page ad in program
Sponsorship gift

NFC South Division Champions $5,000

Reserved table for ten behind NFC Champions
1/4-page ad in program
Sponsorship gift

NFC Wild Card $2,500

Reserved table for ten behind NFC South Division Champs
Sponsorship gift

For further details, contact Karen Hegner at 214-529-6681 or khegner7894@sbcglobal.net.