Tailgate Together supports the unhoused community each time the New Orleans Saints take the field.
New Orleans is known for taking itspartiesto a whole new level — and that ’s true of the boisterous parking lot celebrations each time the New Orleans Saints take the home subject area as well . But whilecrowd - pleasing bitesand free - flowing drinks are tailgating raw material , one group has been put all that aside and instead using football game season to make a real difference in the community .
Tailgate Together , a grassroots cognitive operation run by Louisiana aboriginal Allen Keller , has been supporting the unhoused residential district around the Caesars Superdome since 2017 . It all started when Keller — who work forThe Sulzer Group , a local consulting business firm that bring home the bacon disaster recovery support — begin on a regular basis tailgating for Saints games with ally . They ’d often end up with extra food , so they decide to donate it to unhoused people at the nearby Claiborne Avenue bridge .
Eventually , the thought of giving leftover did n’t feel right to him , so he started preparing a disjoined , fresh meal for those in need each meter his crew would get together before kickoff .
Allen and Clarissa Keller|Photo by Giancarlo D’Agostaro for Thrillist
Now , with the aid of secret donors and a handful of volunteer , the opening move go on to produce and even dilate beyond intellectual nourishment , with followers donating wear , accessories , and cover for Keller and the Tailgate Together squad to give by on Sundays .
“ We ’ve had over 100 volunteers that protrude in and out , donate their labor , ” Keller says . “ That ’s why I always shy away from recognition because it ’s never about me . It ’s a group effort and the focus is on the workplace . ”
Tailgate Together ’s efforts now take place twelvemonth - around and let in a bi - weekly outing to fertilize and adorn the unhoused community in New Orleans . Firehouse Subs donate 100 sandwich for each sashay , and Keller and his squad also pile up clothes , shoes , blankets , supply , and monetary donations to help those in need .
Photo by Giancarlo D’Agostaro for Thrillist
Always quick to deflect and airt extolment , he applauds even military volunteer Katherine Seals and Stanley Reed , along with his wife , Clarissa , who he call off “ the nous behind everything . ” But more help is always encouraged , he suppose .
“ My nous never stops mean about how we can expand and turn over more people , ” Keller says .
On the Saints ’ home biz days , Tailgate Together can be discover under the flyover near the New Orleans Mission on Oretha Castle Haley Blvd . Check out Keller’sX accountfor the late information on outings to get involve . If you ca n’t make it to a tailboard but are still concerned in supporting Tailgate Together , you may reach out to Keller or make donations viaTailgate Together ’s wishlist .
Photo by Giancarlo D’Agostaro for Thrillist
Katherine Seals, Allen Keller, and Clarissa Keller|Photo by Giancarlo D’Agostaro for Thrillist
