Sammy Kershaw has been a vocal advocate for the residents affected by the oil spill that has ravaged the Gulf of Mexico for more than three months. Now the Louisiana resident is taking a key role in an upcoming benefit, and bringing a few Super Bowl champions along for the ride.

Sammy will serve as the honorary chair of a Black and Gold Gala organized by New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. The October 1 event will raise necessary funds for Payton's Play It Forward Foundation, which will then distribute the money to several worthwhile charities aiding victims of the Gulf crisis, including Feed the Children, the Dr. Phil Foundation and a charity created by Sammy, Protectourcoastline.org.

"I am truly humbled to be selected as this year's Honorary Chair," Sammy says. "Sean and I share the same passion for the people of Louisiana and we are willing to do whatever we can to see our state and its people recover from yet another devastating tragedy. I look forward to working together to raise money for those who have been hit the hardest by the oil spill in the Gulf. I remain committed to using every resource available to lend a helping hand to Louisiana's people."

Sammy will be joined by the band Better Than Ezra and several Saints players. In addition to serving in this vital role, Sammy also created a photo campaign, 'sp[OIL]ed,' enlisting the help of celebrity friends Kellie Pickler, the Zac Brown Band and Colt Ford. He also headlined a free benefit concert earlier this month with special guest Mark Chesnutt.

Sammy isn't the only star stepping up to help those affected by the oil spill. Jimmy Buffett performed a free televised concert, while Trace Adkins spoke to Anderson Cooper on CNN about the ongoing recovery efforts.

Sammy is currently in the running for Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana. He's also performing several shows throughout the summer. Click here for his itinerary.



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