Every August, the day before the start of Alabama football fall camp, Terry and Nick Saban’s foundation, ‘Nick’s Kids’ brings good news to Tuscaloosa.
The Dean of Alabama football sportswriters, Cecil Hurt described the annual event as “a glimmer of light” shining amidst a “steady stream of news … not always pleasant.”
Cecil knows how to craft a lovely phrase. The “glimmer” description is somewhat of an understatement, at least in the minds of recipients of the Nick’s Kids Foundation.
As reported by Bama Online, the foundation created by Nick and Terry Saban,
"distributed a record of more than $500,000 to 150 charities Wednesday at the annual luncheon, and through the Nick’s Kids Foundation, they have now donated more than $7 million dollars to many organizations since arriving in Tuscaloosa in 2007."
Nick says the annual event is one of his favorite days each year. The foundation has no paid staff thanks to the tireless efforts of Terry Saban. Every year, Nick reminds everyone the awareness he learned to care for others, especially children, came from Nick Sr.
The senior Nick Saban devoted much of his life to caring for kids through sports programs. A favorite phrase for Nick Sr. was the Abraham Lincoln quote,
"No man stands as tall as he who stoops to help a child"
Check out the video below of Nick taking questions on Wednesday.
Nick Saban live at Bryant –Denny Stadium at annual Nick’s Kid’s charity pic.twitter.com/UKmaGuAGIr
— Ryan C. Fowler (@RyanCFowler) August 2, 2017
All the details of the Nick’s Kids Foundation can be found at Nick’s Kids.
16 Homes for 16 Championships
Perhaps the most impressive project done by the Foundation is the construction of 16 Habitat for Humanity homes in Tuscaloosa. This particular project began as a plan to build 13 homes, equalling then 13 Alabama football national championships. As the national championships grew to 16, the project grew to 16 homes.
Each year at the annual luncheon many Alabama football players delight the youth with autographs and photo opportunities.
Jalen Hurts signing and smiling at today's Nick's Kids luncheon.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 2, 2017
Charity gave a record $500,000 to various children's organizations in '17 pic.twitter.com/mUOLBfclDM
Next: 10 Players who could surprise in 2017
Cecil Hurt called the event a ‘glimmer.’ We expect many others see it more as a beacon. Either way, apart from football, Terry and Nick Saban have positively impacted many lives in Tuscaloosa.