giving smarter
And as far as heroes, the city has been given one in the form of QB Drew Brees. Brees has been involved in the city’s recovery efforts since his arrival in 2006. Along with his wife, Brittany, he founded the Brees Dream Foundation, which has formed a partnership with Operation Kids in New Orleans to help restore educational and recreational spaces in the city.
Drew and Brittany’s Brees Dream Foundation announced a partnership in 2007 with international children’s charity Operation Kids, to rebuild and restore academic and athletic facilities, parks and playgrounds, after-school programs, mentoring programs for the intellectually disabled, neighborhood revitalization projects and child care facilities in New Orleans.
Without hesitation, Brees and his wife partnered with Operation Kids – an organization devoted to rebuilding academic and athletic facilities, after-school and mentoring programs, and helped restore parks and playgrounds for the children of New Orleans. The people of New Orleans are so thankful for his contributions that they named him Grand Marshal of the Bacchus Parade, which is held 2 days before the start of Mardi Gras.
Strengthening the bond is what so many Saints have done as the city struggled to find daylight in the battle back.
The Brees Dream Foundation teamed up with Operation Kids and Advocates for the Arts to grant nearly $1 million to construct Brees Family Field at Lusher Charter School, and when the quarterback saw the athletes there needed a new weight room, he donated another $38,000 out of his own pocket to get it done.
Brees Family Field is a sparkling, nearly $1 million multipurpose gem that was a joint project of The Brees Dream Foundation, Operation Kids and Advocates for the Arts.
The field sits between classroom buildings filled by 1,560 students at Lusher Charter School, where Brees and his wife donated an additional $38,000 for a new weight room.
During a time of natural disaster, we are often asked, “How can I do the most good?” Everyone wants to give to those who have been affected, but so often stories appear revealing instance after instance of well intended but rushed and ineffective generosity. As managed giving consultants for individuals, families and companies, we offer the following insight to give smarter in times of disaster and great need – whether you are giving $20 to aid immediately or want to join forces to make a lasting, sustainable change.
Your Generosity is Already There.
We Add Effectiveness.
Over the years, Operation Kids Foundation has helped donors and charities achieve greater impact with their philanthropy by making the best and most effective use of their resources.
