MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 8, 2011) Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson is partnering with the University of Minnesota Amplatz Childrens Hospital and the Vikings Childrens Fund to make the holidays a little brighter for families affected by sickle cell disease (SCD). Foundation 50 has worked with University of Amplatz Childrens Hospital to hand pick families affected by Sickle Cell Disease to participate in this years program. Each family has submitted a Wish List of items including childrens clothes and toy items. Foundation 50s Santa Cause program is asking for the public to donate gifts to kids for the Minnesota youth involved in this years program. Each families Wish List can be found online at www.foundation50.org. The Santa Cause program is Foundation 50s second event in as many months, following a successful Out For Blood the foundations signature event and annual fundraiser.

This years Santa Cause program will consist of two initiatives:

Gift Drop-off & Wrapping Event: December 13th 3:00 to 6:00 at University of Minnesota Amplatz Childrens Hospital. Member of the Vikings, members of the Vikings organization, and Fox 9 Sports Anchor Jim Rich will be on hand from 3:00 to 6:00 pm to wrap gifts and great fans who stop by to drop off donation of; childrens toys and clothes (see Wish List), wrapping paper and tape can be dropped off at the University of Minnesota Amplatz.

Private Gift Opening: Erin Henderson and the Foundation 50 staff will be playing Santa as they deliver the presents to the families affected by sickle cell disease.

Kids and families with Sickle Cell Disease deal with so much doing the year; emotionally psychically and financially. During the holiday season, I want to make sure that families and kids affected by SCD are able to enjoy Christmas. I am hoping that through Santa CAUSE this will we bring joy to some kids and families.

Henderson's Foundation 50 works to build awareness and find a cure for SCD through innovative programming, with a special emphasis on children and families affected by the disease. Support for Henderson's efforts has been provided through partnerships with the University of Minnesota's Amplatz Children's Hospital, Memorial Blood Centers, the Viking's Children's Fund, Sickle Cell Disease Advocates of Minnesota and Farmers Hat Productions.

U of M Amplatz Children's Hospital Mission: To bring hope and healing to the children and families we serve by caring for one child at a time, while advancing education, research, and care on behalf of all children. By working as one health care team centered on our patients, University of Minnesota Amplatz Childrens Hospital along with the entire Fairview system will create exceptional care experiences for children and their families in Minnesota and around the world.

Foundation 50's Mission - We will build programs and partnerships that work to create awareness, fund research, and heal the lives of those suffering from Sickle Cell Disease. With a special focus on children and families, Foundation 50 will provide assistance and opportunities for hope to children and families suffering the affects of SCD. It is our hope to inspire youth and young adults with SCD to Dream Big and empower them to live amazing lives!

Contact information: Jasmine Carr, Black Sheep Consulting, 404-319-0406, Jasmine@thbettersheep.com or Jay Mayes, Jay@thebettersheep.com