The Big Easy Gets a Big Boost

• July 9, 2007

XanGo and Operation Kids have teamed up with NFL Quarterback Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints on the Rebuilding Dreams in New Orleans project. This initiative’s aim is to identify tangible community projects, such as sports fields and youth centers, to send the message to the kids of New Orleans that they are not forgotten.

XanGo is the first corporate donor to assist in this far-reaching project. At the kick-off event in New Orleans on June 16th, Bob Freeze, XanGo’s VP of Public Relations, presented the first check for the project at Lusher Charter School, where XanGo funded the rebuild of the school’s sports courts.

During the event, Drew Brees spoke about his commitment to the city of New Orleans and his fervent hope that, by working together, pride and personal accountability can be regained in the community. He expressed his appreciation for XanGo and its support in this effort.

With the conclusion of his remarks, Drew challenged each child present (approximately 150) to step forward and sign a pledge with him. The pledge stated:
I will expect more from my family, friends, teachers, and community leaders. And most importantly, myself. I will work hard and always strive to be the best that I can be. I have a responsibility to make a positive difference in my community. Today, Saturday, June 16, 2007, I make a commitment to expect more!

As each child signed his or her name to the pledge, Drew co-signed his autograph as well. The children took home the pledges to keep as a reminder of the work that will be happening in their communities and the commitment they made to expect more of themselves in the future.