Wives of National Football League athletes from across the country gathered in Louisiana Dec. 15-16, picking up hammers and setting to work to help build two new houses with Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity in Hammond, La.
The build was made possible by a $360,000 grant from the Washington Redskins and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation.
"We are so pleased to welcome these women into our community," said Blair Edwards, executive director of Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity. "Their support goes beyond money, as they have traveled from across the country to give their time and labor to help us rebuild."
The Washington Redskins fully funded four new homes through Operation Home Delivery, Habitat's hurricane recovery project.
"While it's gratifying that as of this weekend our grant has been used to build four houses, it's more satisfying to know that we've helped rebuild the lives of four families," said Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder. "We applaud the Redskins players' wives for pulling together the wives of other players to help make an impact on the lives of families in the New Orleans area."
Through Off the Field, an NFL player's wives association, wives of NFL players from the Redskins, the Saints, the Dolphins, the Bears and the Broncos were represented at the build site, where they worked on two of the four homes that the Redskins' contribution made possible.
Off the Field first became interested in Habitat's mission after Hurricane Katrina. Seeing the devastation on the news, the wives began connecting with each other, convinced that they had to find a way to help.
The Redskins met their effort by granting Habitat for Humanity $360,000 for Off the Field's hurricane relief efforts. Off the Field is using that money to build four houses with hurricane-affected families.
"It is our privilege to be able to make a difference in the lives of people that were affected by hurricane Katrina," said Emma Dockery, spokesperson for Off the Field.
Off the Field built on Dec. 15 at 805 E Mary St in Hammond, La., and 333 Cedar Lane in Ponchatoula, La.
About Off the Field
Off the Field is comprised of wives of active and retired NFL players. Its mission is to use their network of women to enrich the lives of those in surrounding communities.
About Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity
Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity is an independent, nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry that partners with people of all beliefs. Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity has been an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International since 1992 and has built 11 homes with five more currently under construction.
About the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation
The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, the non-profit philanthropic arm of the team, combines the influence and popularity of the Washington Redskins with the resources and assets of 33 Washington area corporations. Founded by Redskins owner, Daniel M. Snyder, the Charitable Foundation is guided by its Leadership Council that consists of 33 CEOs who help shape and define the philanthropic efforts of the Redskins to achieve a measurable impact on communities throughout the region in the areas of literacy, youth development, education, community service, health and wellness.
