New Orleans Saints Tackle Jon Stinchcomb is part of a four person celebrity contingent that is currently on a one week trip overseas trip to support and entertain United States military troops overseas.
Stinchcomb was one of four figures in sports and entertainment chosen to take place in an annual USO Handshake Tour in a trip led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.
When approached about making the trip, Stinchcomb was sincerely excited about the opportunity to help lift the spirits and morale of troops overseas. The longest tenured player on the Saints, the 2003 second round draft pick has been one of the most reliable Saints both on and off the field. Tied with fellow lineman Guard Jahri Evans, Stinchcomb is tied for the longest consecutive games started streak on the club at 64, having been inserted into the lineup at right tackle since Sean Payton was named head coach in 2006. His achievements culminated in 2009 with his first Pro Bowl selection and being an integral part of the Super Bowl XLIV Championship squad. During his tenure, his reliability has also crossed over into off the field endeavors as he has been one of the team’s most active and enthusiastic participants in their community outreach efforts.
“I have always had great admiration for the important job that our troops have both domestically and overseas,” said Stinchcomb. “It is with great pleasure and responsibility that I had the opportunity to be a part of this group to show our support for what the troops do day in and day out for us.”
Stinchcomb is joined on the trip by three other entertainers, Actors James Gandolfini and Tony Sirico, who are most well-known for their roles on ”The Sopranos” and actress Rose McGowan, who enjoyed a longstanding role on the series “Charmed”.
The tour is part of an ongoing tradition of partnering with senior leaders and working with celebrity entertainers to bring a touch of home to troops stationed abroad, as the USO has worked with the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2000. Since then, the USO has partnered with four Chiefs of Staff to deploy more than 11 entertainment tours.
This trip marks the first USO tour for Stinchcomb and McGown, and the second for Gandolfini and Sirico.
NewOrleans Saints FB Heath Evans is hosting a charity softball game on Wednesday, April 28 at Zephyr Field in Metairie featuring more than a dozen of his Saints teammates as they face an All-Star military team. The inaugural Heath Evans Softball Showdown event features a Home Run Derby at 6:30 p.m. followed by the seven-inning game.
Saints QB Drew Brees, RBs Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas and TE David Thomas are among the Saints expected to play.
The game is open to the public. Admission is $10 and tickets are available at the Zephyr Field box office in Metairie and on TicketMaster.com.
Leading into the event, the Heath Evans Foundation is raffling three fabulous prizes, including the opportunity to help manage the Saints softball team.
Raffle tickets are $2 each, with a minimum purchase of five tickets, and are available by visiting www.HeathEvans.org. The first winner gets their choice of the three packages and the second winner chooses between the remaining two prizes.
The three raffle packages:
· Heath Evans’ 2008 Hummer Limited Edition H2 delivered to the winner by Heath Evans and Reggie Bush. The vehicle features custom 22-inch wheels, custom Hydraulic side step and a custom exhaust system and only 22,000 miles.
· Win the chance to help manage the Saints’ softball team at the 2010 Heath Evans Softball Showdown in New Orleans. The winner and three guests will have VIP access at the Showdown event, including access to the VIP autograph session, game tickets and a VIP parking pass. The winner (only) will be an honorary coach of Saints’ team, spending the game in the dugout, coaching 1st or 3rd base, assisting with arranging the lineup and other managerial functions. The winner’s three guests will have reserved tickets in close proximity to dugout. The winner will also receive a Saints jersey to wear during the game and have signed by players.
· Win two tickets and pre-game field passes to the Saints 2010 season home opener (date and opponent to be determined) as a guest of Heath Evans. This includes two club-level tickets and two pre-game field passes as well as lunch or dinner for the winner and three guests with Heath Evans at New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Company the week of the game (place and time to be mutually agreed upon) plus photos and signed memorabilia from Heath Evans.
Proceeds from the game and the raffle will benefit the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Heath Evans Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.
“I’m proud that my teammates and friends will participate in the softball game,” said Evans.
“It will be a fun game for the players and the fans and we’re raising money for a good cause, one that my wife, Beth Ann, and I strongly believe in. I’m hoping that we can hit the ball and run the bases without embarrassing ourselves!”
Evans hosted a similar charity softball game in February in Palm Beach County, Florida where he grew up, and raised more than $100,000.
While Evans laughs about his teammates’ softball abilities, he is very serious about the foundation that bears his name. Started in 2006 to help children who have been sexually abused, it’s something Evans learned about firsthand because his wife was a victim of sexual abuse as a child.
“Being in the NFL gives me a platform to bring attention to a cause that doesn’t receive a lot of attention,” said Evans, who is entering his 10th NFL season and second with the Saints. “When people hear about it and learn more about it, hopefully they become motivated to help sexually abused children and their families.”
Evans said the foundation provides access to a variety of programs, treatments and services in communities with great need and scarce resources, including New Orleans and West Palm Beach, where he grew up.
“The softball game is another way to bring attention to this problem, and it’s a big fundraiser for us,” said Evans. “We’re excited about joining with the Military All-Star team to host a wonderful family event for the entire community.”
For information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Glenn Martin, President of the Heath Evans Foundation at (561) 876-9317 or by email at glenn.martin@HeathEvans.org.
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