Nick’s Kids hands out more than $600K at Kickoff Luncheon Wednesday
By WVUA 23 Sports Reporter Juliet Brown
The Nick’s Kids Foundation held its annual ‘Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday in the North Zone of Bryant Denny Stadium. Over $600,000 worth of checks were given to various local and state nonprofit organizations.
Alabama football coach Nick Saban and his wife, Terry, have given over $12 million to a variety of charities and organizations throughout the state during their time in Tuscaloosa.
“This is our annual Nick’s Kids event, and it is our way to give back to the community,” said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. “Miss Terry and her staff do a fantastic job of helping us help a lot of young people have a better chance of having a better quality of life, and better chance to be successful in life for someone who maybe isn’t as fortunate.”
Last year, the Nick’s Kids Foundation partnered with the City of Tuscaloosa to launch the Saban Center which combined the Children’s Hands-On Museum and Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre into one location. Nick’s Kids also provided monetary contributions to the Welding & multi-purpose classroom facility, the Tuscaloosa Juvenile Detention Center, and the annual teacher’s excellence awards luncheon.
This year, Nick’s Kids funded its 20th Habitat for Humanity home in honor of the Crimson Tide’s 2022 Sugar Bowl victory.
A group of Crimson Tide players also attended this years event. Linebacker Chris Braswell, offensive lineman Darrian Dalcourt, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, linebacker Deontae Lawson, offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin, defensive back Malachi Moore, tight end Robbie Outz, kicker Will Reichard, defensive back Kristian Story, linebacker Dallas Turner, and running back Roydell Williams signed autographs and posed for pictures.
The luncheon marks signals the start of football season. Alabama opens fall practice on on Thursday afternoon.
The Crimson Tide kickoff the 2023 season at home against Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 2.
Notable Nick’s Kids projects include:
The Saban Center
A legacy project that will combine the Children’s Hands-On Museum and the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre into a single location. Nick’s Kids pledged $2 million, along with a personal pledge from Nick and Terry Saban of $1 million to this initiative that will combine STEM programs and the arts to provide a unique and interactive learning experience for children in Tuscaloosa.
Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa Home Building Project
NKF has sponsored the building of 20 homes in honor of the 18 National Championships, 1 SEC Championship and most recently the “Sugar House” to honor the 2022 Sugar Bowl victories
Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority’s All Inclusive Playground
Leadership gift of $200,000 towards the 2.5-acre playground in Tuscaloosa that accommodates all children, including those with special needs
Learning programs
Major contributors to the Welding & Multi-Purpose Classroom Facility at the Tuscaloosa Juvenile Detention Center that was completed in Summer of 2019
Annual Teacher’s Excellence Awards Luncheon
Honored over 500 City of Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County teachers for their dedication to educating the children in our community since 2012
