TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Nick Saban and his wife Terry are back in Tuscaloosa for the 2024 Nick’s Kids Foundation giveaway luncheon.
At this annual event, the Sabans award grants to organizations that positively impact Alabama’s youth. This year, over $600,000 was awarded to 100 different philanthropic groups.
"Even though I have retired from football, I have not retired from Nick's Kids," Coach Saban said.
The former University of Alabama head football coach said the mission of the charity foundation couldn’t be possible without those who pour into it.
“We have people who have been involved in Nick’s Kids for the entire 17 years that we’ve been here,” Coach Saban said.
Since landing in T-Town 17 years ago, the Sabans have donated more than $13 million through the Nick’s Kids Foundation.
Recipients from Wednesday’s luncheon are thankful that they can continue serving communities with the financial support and trust the Sabans put into them.
"This our third year in a row being a recipient of the grant, and it's just an amazing time to get here and to fellowship with other organizations around the state that are giving back and doing great things for the youth and for the community," Kevin Croom of the Croom Foundation said.
Freedom Farm’s Executive Director Cathy Wood said that having the Sabans' name backing their work will significantly impact where they can go from here.
“Their names alone add credibility to what we’re trying to do, and the fact that they trust us, it’s amazing to us,” Wood said.
Despite the coach's retirement, the Sabans have no plans to slow down. The highly anticipated Saban Center, which is expected to be completed by 2027, Habitat for Humanity and Nick’s Kids Playgrounds are among their most notable projects.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to do, and hopefully we can continue to do more in the future,” Coach Saban said.