Saban's philanthropic impact leaves lasting legacy
Big Al offered hugs for those taking Coach Nick Saban's retirement hard Thursday at his statue outside Bryant Denny Stadium.
Long-time Tuscaloosa resident Donna Davis showed up at the growing memorial full of sadness.
鈥淗e will never be replaced ever. His legacy will go on forever,鈥� Davis said.
A few blocks away, at Alabama Express on the Strip, owner David Jones was also in a state of shock.
He said his business sells ten times the Bama souvenirs it did before Saban arrived in 2007.
鈥淚 was sad, but I knew this day was coming. But 17 years was a lot longer than they said when he got here,鈥� Jones said.
Ellen Potts runs Habitat for Humanity of Tuscaloosa.
鈥淗e's 72. So, I can't blame him for doing that. And mainly at the end of the day, yes, I'm sad, but mostly I'm just grateful,鈥� she said.
She鈥檚 grateful because she has seen the impact of Saban's non-profit, Nick's Kids, firsthand.
The organization has donated more than $1.5 million to offer nearly two dozen families a new home.
鈥淪o they have funded a total of 20 houses in honor of 18 National Championships, an SEC Championship and a Sugar Bowl win,鈥� Potts said.
However, these homes are a fraction of the long-lasting effect of the Sabans鈥� generosity.
Countless other organizations have received nearly $12 million since the Sabans came to town.
鈥淭here is no charity that serves children in our community on any kind of scale that has not benefited from their generosity,鈥� Potts said.
She claims Nick鈥檚 Kids has already pledged to build another home in honor of the 2023 football team.
It will be called the LANK house, in reference to their 鈥淟et All Naysayers Know鈥� slogan.