National Auto Dealers' Charitable Foundation Donates $400,000 to Restore Athletic Fields in New Orleans

Brees Dream Foundation plays a key role in facilitating gift

NEW ORLEANS -- The National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation will present the Brees Dream Foundation with a $400,000 gift to complete the renovation of the athletic fields at Lusher Charter High School in the heart of Uptown New Orleans.

Annette Sykora, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), will present Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans' Saints, with a $400,000 gift during a check presentation ceremony at the school at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 15. Both Brees and Kathy Riedlinger, principal and CEO of Lusher Charter School, will make remarks.

"This contribution demonstrates NADA's commitment to the recovery of New Orleans. Our commitment is long term," Sykora said. "New Orleans has been one of NADA's convention cities for more than 30 years. And we are pleased to return here next January for our 92nd annual convention."

The money will be used to rebuild Lusher's athletic fields at the school's main campus at 5624 Freret St. The fields have been in poor condition since Lusher moved into the building following Hurricane Katrina. Acres of grass fields will be re-sodded, and bleachers, a scoreboard and lights for nighttime use will be added.

The fields will be used for competitive football, soccer, baseball and softball and for physical education classes at the school. Lusher offers a strong athletic program with 22 teams and numerous other extracurricular opportunities. The fields will also be used by several neighboring schools and local recreational programs.

Lusher Charter School is a K-12 public school, located on two campuses in New Orleans, that focuses on a college-preparatory curriculum. The school offers early college credit classes from Tulane University, gifted and talented programs and Advanced Placement courses. The school also offers a comprehensive arts education and an award-winning performing arts program in creative writing, dance, drama, music and visual arts. It will serve 1,550 students during the 2008-2009 school year.

The NADA Foundation, established in 1975, is the philanthropic arm of NADA. Funds contributed by new-car and -truck dealers and friends provide financial support to educational institutions, emergency relief, a CPR-unit donation program and scholarships and grants to colleges and universities, to name just a few causes.

In 1992, the NADA Foundation established an Emergency Relief Fund. Since its inception, more than 6,500 dealership employees in 25 states have received financial assistance of more than $4.1 million. About $3.5 million has been distributed to assist dealership employees affected by hurricanes in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas.