Saints Coach Helps WDSU Raise Nearly $400K For New Orleans Food Bank

WDSU, Hearst’s NBC affiliate in New Orleans (DMA 50), raised $381,626 in donations for the Second Harvest Food Bank during a recent day-long telethon.

Project Community: A Day of Giving, hosted by Margaret Orr, WDSU’s chief meteorologist, supports local residents who are struggling with unexpected financial instability during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The donations included $100,000 from New Orleans Saints Head Coach, Sean Payton, as well as $50,000 from AT&T.  Payton is chairman of the Payton’s Plays It Forward Foundation.

“We’re excited, on behalf of our fFoundation, to be able to help the people that need it,” said Payton.

“That’s the magic of this city, that’s the grit of this town. This is our home. These are our friends, these are our parents and grandparents. It’s an easy decision.”

“So many people and families desperately need food right now – with the closure of schools, the inability of our seniors and home-bound to shop and the unprecedented loss of jobs,” said Natalie Jayroe, Second Harvest Food Bank’s president.

“During times like these, it is not only our duty but our privilege to join in and help our community,” said Joel Vilmenay, WDSU’s general manager.

NOTE: I worked with Margaret Orr in my first TV job at WDSU. It’s amazing to me to see her here, as she looks exactly the same as I remember her from 30 years ago. Actually, she looks even better. One of the nicest, most caring people in TV. Thanks, Margaret.

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