There has been an huge show of support from my hometown of Milford, Ohio this week and I just wanted to say thank you. It has been so awesome to see how many people from back home have followed me this season. I hope to have you all behind us this coming Sunday, your support means a lot. So thanks again to all my fellow Eagles!!!

GET YOUR TEES TODAY! EMAIL DREAMBIGNOLA@GMAIL.COM. REMEMBER TO INCLUDE SIZE AND QUANTITY. ONCE WE RECEIVE YOUR EMAIL, WE WILL FORWARD A PAY PAL REQUEST AND SHIP! GET YOUR SHIRT IN TIME FOR THE GAME. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT CHILDRENS CHARITIES!! THANK YOU! WHO DAT!

I just want to thank Stevie G and T Pot for having us on the Afternoon Swirl today. Mandy and I had a great time with them. You can check out the interview here.

I really can’t explain how excited Mandy and I are right now. Let me just take a second to thank all of the fans so so much for their incredible support. I can’t believe how much energy you all can bring into that dome every week. I know that everyone will remember that moment in the dome when the ball flew through the uprights for a long time. We have one more week left to finish this great ride of a season and it’s great to know we have the Who Dat Nation behind us. See you in Miami!!!!

photo credit to Michael DeMocker

#64 Zach Strief’s Dream Big Foundation and Phil’s Grill raise funds for CASA!
Phil’s Grill Donates Proceeds from the Specialty Burger and Ballot Collections.

Phil’s Grill is celebrating the Saints march to the Super Bowl by co-hosting a fundraiser for CASA along with Saints Offensive Tackle #64 Zach Strief. Zach Strief created the Dream Big Foundation that serves to enrich the lives of children in our community. The Dream Big Foundation has pledged to match Phil’s Grill’s contribution to CASA. Zach has created Phil’s Grill’s January Burger of the Month “#64 Eligible.” Phil’s Grill will donate the proceeds from each “#64 Eligible” sold. Guests can vote for “Their Favorite Saints Linemen of All Time.” The offensive line candidates include- Jim Dombrowski, Stan Brock, Willie Roaf and Brad Edelman. All ballot donations ($1 per vote) will be donated to CASA. Ballots will be randomly drawn at the end of the month for prizes including a tour of the Saints training facility, dinner at Phil’s Grill with Zach Strief and autographed Saints pennants, footballs and aprons.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) New Orleans trains diligent, committed everyday citizens to stand up for abused and neglected children — Volunteers are taught how to advocate for the best interest of foster children who are under the jurisdiction of Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. By getting involved, volunteers can help break the cycle of child abuse. Being a CASA Volunteer is an opportunity which has the ability to impact multiple generations in the future.

Zach Strief, co-host of the fundraiser said, “We are honored to partner with a New Orleans institution like Phil’s Grill and to be able to help the amazing children and volunteers associated with CASA. While we know that everyone will enjoy the “#64 Eligible” burger, we ultimately hope that the partnership will create awareness surrounding the great efforts of CASA.”

“I am really humbled to partner with Zach and Mandy. They’ve shown a true commitment to the community and to the kids specifically. Their dedication is contagious and inspiring,” explained Phil de Gruy, owner and operator of Phil’s Grill.

GIVE THE LINEMEN SOME LOVE continues throughout the month of January at Phil’s Grill. Phil’s Grill is a locally owned and operated burger joint. PHILANTHROPY is Phil’s Grill’s charitable organization that supports local schools, churches and community groups.

Get to Phil’s to try “#64 Eligible” today! You WON’T be disappointed–and you’ll help the special and amazing people of CASA! Tell ‘em Mandy & Zach sent ya!

Special thanks to Rob Carlisle and Michelle Blum Gallo of CASA!

Get your “I love boys in Black & Gold” tees today! Only $20. Ladies sizes S-XL. Email dreambignola@gmail.com to order your shirt today! Please include your size. Get them now! They’re going fast! Great Christmas gifts! All proceeds benefit local children’s charities!

BIG NIGHT OUT was simply a success! We couldn’t have done it without the help of so many! From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you–thank you–thank you for supporting this special group! There will be more to come, but we just had to post the final total! Please, remember to support Cafe Reconcile throughout the year! Visit them online at reconcileneworleans.org. Special thanks to our friends at Studio Tran for SUCH amazing shots! Visit them online at www.studiotran.com.

DO YOU HAVE YOUR TICKETS YET?! BUY THEM TODAY!

EMAIL DREAMBIGNOLA@GMAIL.COM to receive the link to buy your tickets online today!

Please join us in making dreams–big or small– come true.

DREAM BIG NOLA,
ZACH

Hey, it’s Mandy! I couldn’t wait for Zach to get home… I HAD to post this photos! This is my dream! My boys in black and gold are 12-0 AND NFC South Division Champs! Ok, the photos go like this…. first, THE WINNING KICK! Second, Zach and Mike Bell are about to celebrate. And then….Big Zach picks up the AWESOME Mike Bell! Troy looks like he wants in, too! LOVE IT! I know Zach will write later, but I had to share! Thanks to Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Gary for attending the game and sending us these memorable moments! We love you!

Well, what can I say? Monday night was quite an experience for us all. Once again the Who Dat Nation showed up and made their presence felt…. really I can feel noise at these games. It was an amazing environment and I know our fans once again made it very difficult for a team to come into the dome and escape with a win. We all enjoyed this day off and tomorrow it’s off to get started on the Redskins. Don’t forget to get your tickets for the “Big Night Out.” They are almost gone… the response has been great and thank you so much for to all who have already purchased. We have collected some once in a lifetime auction items and you don’t want to miss your opportunity to purchase. Just as a little teaser… how about a black and gold blue dog print signed by your favorite Saints players, and George Rodrigue himself. Many more unique items will be available. Can’t wait to see you all!!

Photo credit to Micheal Hebert