NEW ORLEANS – In the Arena Football League's "Year of the Fan," marking the League's 25th year in existence, the New Orleans VooDoo is doing its part via raising money for its 400 fans at Ella Dolhonde Elementary School in Metairie by playing in the first annual Preauxs versus Jeauxs charity flag football event.

Ella Dolhonde recently built its new library on its campus; however, more than half of its bookshelves remain empty, which is something that VooDoo owner Dan Newman looks to change.

"When PlayNOLA approached us about this idea with the concept that all of the proceeds would be going to charity, we immediately jumped on board," said Newman. "When we heard of Ella Dolhonde's need for books, we looked no further. The future of any community is its youth, and we want Ella Dolhonde's student body this year and many years to come to have books to read."

The announcement about the event was made on January 12 in front of all 400 students, faculty and staff at Ella Dolhonde, with VooDoo General Manager Jon Norris and PlayNOLA Executive Lavonzell Nicholson doing the honors.

Oh, and New Orleans VooDoo mascot MoJo did a few dances as all the school children celebrated the cause.

"It truly is a special thing when you can invest in the youth of our city and metro area. By raising money for books for our children, we are promoting literacy and education," said Brandon Rizzuto, Vice President/Media Relations. "Louisiana has one of the highest rates of high school drop outs in the nation, and we can deflate that high number moving forward by promoting the value of education in the elementary school years."

Tickets cost just $10 and can be purchased online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2758604059 and at the gate tonight. Many individuals have purchased tickets and then donated them to Ella Dolhonde students.

Local business have also jumped on board for the charitable cause, as Techcrane donated 100 tickets ($1,000) to Ella Dolhonde to help with the cause, while Rotolo's Pizzeria has been selling tickets at five of its New Orleans and Greater New Orleans restaurant locations.

Rotolo's will also be selling pizzas at the event with 50 cents of every pizza going to the general fund. Pizzas are also being sold at a reduced rate of $6.50.

"Techcrane is pleased to be a part of local communities with attention to the promotion of education. My mother was a dedicated teacher of the Louisiana school system and believes in it. Every step forward is progress to help young minds achieve new echelons in society," said Darius Shad, Techcrane owner.

The event features two games with the first having two teams of VooDoo Dolls and Ella Dolhonde teachers taking the field, followed by PlayNOLA's All-Stars suiting up against the New Orleans VooDoo.

The Dolls and teachers have held two practices, as all involved are having a lot of fun in helping raise money for the school's library. All the Dolls, teachers, VooDoo and PlayNOLA players will be available after the game for autographs and pictures – just like an AFL post-game party.

The VooDoo is also offering a buy-one-get-one free ticket voucher for the team's season opener against the Philadelphia Soul on Sunday, March 18. The ticket stub serves as the coupon, and must be redeemed in the VooDoo office by Friday, March 16.

"No one loses tonight; everyone wins," added Rizzuto. "This is the beginning of many community initiatives for the VooDoo."

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About the New Orleans VooDoo

The New Orleans VooDoo will play in the New Orleans Arena, an SMG managed facility directly across the street from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Single game tickets for VooDoo regular season home games are on sale now by calling 504-875-3900. For more information call (888) 277-5526 for Vice President and Director of Operations, Jason Coffel.

About the AFL

Since its inception in 1987, the AFL has afforded the fast-paced and exciting game of Arena Football to millions of fans in a myriad of markets across the country. The NFL Network will once again broadcast an AFL National Game of the Week for the entire regular and post season on Friday nights at 8:00 pm EST, culminating with the ArenaBowl Championship Game in August.