The New Orleans Hornets are teaming up with Chevron and several other corporate and community partners including Rouses Supermarkets, CVS pharmacies and Take 5 Oil Change to launch the “Believe in Blue” campaign which will serve to raise awareness and funds for the residents of communities affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, restore local coastal wetlands and help return the gulf’s water back to its original color—blue.

“The Hornets and our corporate partners are committed to the growth and development of the region where we live and work, and we share the same pride in assisting with the recovery and revitalization for our neighbors in need,” said Hornets President Hugh Weber. “We understand the responsibility of utilizing our resources to give back, and we are excited to band together with our partners, fans and entire organization to help those struggling with the devastation in the Gulf. In addition to being one of our team’s primary colors (Creole blue), fans also associate blue with the beauty of the waters of this region, and our campaign strives to help restore and preserve that which makes this region so special.”

One of the initial elements of the campaign will include the sale of blue wristbands that will feature the slogan “Believe in Blue.” The bands will be sold for $2 starting in early October and will be available at designated partner retailers including the Hornets’ Nest team store, Chevron locations, Rouses Supermarkets, CVS pharmacies and Take 5 Oil Changes. All proceeds from the sale of the bands and other funds raised through the entire “Believe in Blue” campaign will benefit the Friends of the Fisherman fund, the officially endorsed fund of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board created to help Louisiana's fishermen, America’s WETLAND Foundation, established to preserve Louisiana’s coastal wetlands, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans. All funds will be collected and distributed through the United Way.

Both of the Hornets home preseason games will also benefit the “Believe in Blue” campaign presented by Chevron. At the first home pre-season game on Saturday, Oct. 9 vs. Memphis Grizzlies, the Hornets will work through local agencies to recognize many individuals who have participated in the clean-up process with complimentary tickets to the game that evening. For the second home pre-season game vs. Miami Heat on Oct. 13, a portion of the proceeds from all single game ticket sales will be donated to the “Believe in Blue” campaign presented by Chevron.

The Hornets team will also wear a commemorative version of their blue uniforms with gold pinstripes and a Believe in Blue patch for all home and away games during the month of October and all road games in November. The team will then sell off the autographed game-worn jerseys to help raise money for the campaign.

In addition, the Hornets will host a Tip-Off Charity Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 22 featuring the entire team and coaching staff to celebrate the start of the regular season. All proceeds from the table sales for the event will benefit the “Believe in Blue” campaign presented by Chevron.

“Chevron has partnered with the New Orleans Hornets for the last two seasons to build programs that support our community,” said Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit Vice President Warner Williams. “The ‘Believe in Blue’ campaign is a winning example of how Chevron and the Hornets are working together and investing in the people who live and work in the Gulf Coast.”

For additional information, please contact Brittany Cranston at 504-234-9077. More details about other “Believe in Blue” initiatives scheduled throughout the preseason and regular season will be released at a later date.