New Orleans Saints and Fans Have a "Big Night Out"

"Big Night Out" was held at Generations Hall to benefit Cafe' Reconcile. 

What is Cafe' Reconcile?  It is a non-profit organization that provides culinary and life skills training for at-risk youth, allowing them to enter the hospitality and entertainment industry of New Orleans.

Now for the rest of the story...

"Work Hard, Play Passionately, Love NOLA, Dream Big" is the slogan of Zack Strief's Dream Big Foundation hence the "Big Night Out" theme.

Saints players and fans joined together for a very memorable evening thrown by Mandy and Zach Strief. 

What really caught my eye as soon as we entered was the number of people out on a Thursday night, that and the sea of Black and Gold in front of me. 

Hundreds of people showed up to show their support for the Strief's, the cause, and of course the beloved New Orleans Saints.

Players were seen throughout the three rooms of the hall where we were able to bid on such items as autographed cookbooks by Zach Strief and Jerry Rice.  Even a night where Zach will come to your house and cook. Something tells me he knows good eats!

At one point Lance Moore even auctioned himself off for the worthy cause.  If for some reason football wasn't your game of choice, not to worry there were many options for everyone.

From signed artwork like George Rodrigue's Blue Dog series to The Golden Band from TigerLand.

Now if golf was your thing, well you too were covered.  Zurich Classic tickets, Golf foursomes at Chateau Country Club and English Turn, as well as a Taylor Made driver to name a few.

Saints linebacker, Troy Evans reminded everyone that it was time for the live auction and then broke out the “Who Dat” chant to get the crowd fired up. 

The live auction items had everyone cheering on the highest bidder and what prizes that went home with! There was a team autographed football to commemorate the magical season as well as a trip to the Super Bowl.

That’s right, two tickets to the game, airfare, hotel accommodations as well as two VIP tickets to the Commissioner’s party.  What a great deal for the mere price of $13,000.00

It is not surprising at all that this night went so well.  The players came out in full force for another teammate and a worthy cause.  The same way they play on the field.

The offense, the defense and even special teams players were there to help raise over $100,000.00 for a local charity of the city that they love...and loves them right back.

Special thanks to Lance Moore, Pierre Thomas, John Carney, Jon Stinchcomb, Mike McKenzie, Reggie Bush, Billy Miller, Mike Bell, Thomas Morstead, Chris Reis, Jason Kyle, and last but not least, Zach Strief and his lovely wife, Mandy Strief.

Zach himself said this event would not have been possible without the brains of his beautiful wife.

No wonder the team has been doing so well.  It is filled with men who take the time to give back and understand hard work coupled with integrity will always provide a winning combination.