NEW ORLEANS — The Saints' owner, Gayle Benson, has set aside $1 million to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
The money will go towards those affected by business closures and event cancellations in New Orleans. The beneficiaries of this fund will be nonprofits working to support those in the service and hospitality industry, among other nonprofit groups.
The Gayle Benson Community Assistance Fund will be administered by the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Those interested in adding to the fund can do so here.
“We have been meeting and planning a response since the NBA’s announcement to suspend games," Benson said in a statement. "Our meaningful discussions have led to what we believe is the most impactful way to best serve the needs of our community as a whole.”
Dixie Beer, the brewery owned by the Saints' owner, will donate $1 from "all case equivalents of sales" for the next 30 days to the Louisiana Restaurant Association's For Employee Relief Fund. Benson pledged to match the money raised from beer sales with cash from the community assistance fund.
Separately from the fund, Benson announced an Arena Assistance Fund for employees at the Smoothie King Center who have been affected by the NBA's decision to postpone the rest of the season.
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