What a week!

It all started on May 11th when we hosted 61 Sigma Chi fraternity members from Purdue University and Western Ontario University for a week of Rebuilding through Brotherhood. These young men worked their tails off in the hot Louisiana sun from May 11-15 at a Habitat for Humanity worksite on the Westbank. I had a chance to visit the site as well as hammer a few nails with my fellow Sigs, and the progress they made in that short amount of time was incredible. The memories from this trip and the mark they made on the neighborhood they helped to rebuild will last a lifetime. Thanks to these young men for their support of the Brees Dream Foundation and the rebuilding effort in New Orleans. I also would like to extend a special thank you to the Krach Family Foundation for making this event possible.

As we wrapped up our Rebuilding through Brotherhood week on Friday, we quickly geared up for the Brees Dream Foundation's Amazing Race on Saturday May 16th. Close to 20 teams competed in this inaugural event, which tested each team's physical and mental prowess as they scurried around the French Quarter for 3 hours, solving riddles and clues while all the while trying to arrive first at the finish line. After an extremely close finish, Cox Communications won the inaugural Amazing Race, with Florida Marine Transporters (team name "The Yat Pack") finishing 2nd and the Saints contingency (team name "Miami 2010") finishing 3rd. A big thanks to our title sponsor Florida Marine Transporters as well as the Harrah's Foundation and Advocare for making this event such a huge success. We look forward to bringing the Amazing Race back next year and see it as a tremendous team building event for companies as well as a great way to support your community and the Brees Dream Foundation.

Saints start Offseason Practices

If it couldn't get any more exciting, we start our first round of OTA's (offseason practices) as a team on Tuesday, May 19th. I am very excited to see the new free agents and rookies as well as see the progress that some of our veterans have made during the Offseason Strength and Conditioning Program. This is where you start to see your team take shape, leaders emerge, and that feeling of excitement for the 2009 season begins. We are looking forward to a great one, but as for now, it is one day at a time.

The Domino Effect

Finally, we are less than two weeks away from The Domino Effect concert. This star-studded tribute concert celebrating the life and influence of rock and roll legend Fats Domino is a can't miss. Musical legends such as BB King, Chuck Berry and Little Richard are gathering on May 30, 2009 at New Orleans Arena to pay tribute to Fats and his feats throughout his lifetime. A portion of the proceeds from this music extravaganza will go to complete the Brees Dream Foundation's Rebuilding Dreams Campaign, which began in 2007 and is focused on providing care, education and opportunities for the children of New Orleans. For more information regarding the concert visit www.dominoeffectnola.com, call Ticketmaster at 1-866-448-7849 or visit Ticketmaster.

Hope everyone is having a great week!