Tenth Annual Nick’s Kids Foundation Luncheon Held on Wednesday

The 10th annual Nick's Kids Foundation luncheon was held Wednesday in The North Zone at Bryant-Denny Stadium where checks totaling $475,000 were presented to 150 local and state non-profit organizations. Since Nick and Terry Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa in 2007, approximately $5.5 million has been given to more than 250 deserving charities and organizations throughout the state and surrounding areas.

The official charity of Nick Saban and his family, Nick and Terry invest their time and energy hosting luncheons, golf tournaments, scrimmages and other events to benefit the cause. Culminating in the Annual Fall Giveaway, the proceeds are given in support of children, family, teacher and student causes.

“This is one of my favorite days. The atmosphere around here, to see all the kids and the people who actually make the sacrifices and support the kids, we have so much gratitude for and appreciation for,” said Saban. “Also, the people here today who support Nick’s Kids and help make this possible are very important to us. The spirit of this whole deal is something that is really special to Terry and I, and to my entire family actually. I hope this is the one thing that my dad would be proud of that we do.”

Some of the Nick's Kids Foundation projects include 16 for 16 Home Building Project with Habitat for Humanity, the Nick's Kids Playground along the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, Teacher's Excellence Awards Luncheon and the Nick's Kids Playground at Alberta Performing Arts School. Nick's Kids was also a contributor to the new YMCA of Tuscaloosa and was instrumental in the renovating of the STTEP Building at Brewer Porch Children's Center.

Joining the Sabans at the annual luncheon were student-athletes Brandon Greene, Jonathan Allen, O.J. Howard, Cooper Bateman, Ross Pierschbacher, Calvin Ridley, Eddie Jackson, Shaun Dion Hamilton, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Reuben Foster, Robert Foster and Marlon Humphrey.

“I think it’s good for our players to know and get the feeling of when you give, what do you get back,” Saban added. ‘I think a lot of our players do a great job in terms of what they are willing to give back to the community. I think a lot of our guys do things with kids all over the city to try and help. I know this is something they look forward to each and every year.”

In addition to their work with the Nick's Kids Foundation, the Sabans have also been generous with their personal donations to The University of Alabama's scholarship fund. In June of 2008, Nick and Terry made a $1 million pledge to the University for first-generation scholarships.