HISTORY
Established in 2011 by Bivian 'Sonny' Lee III, the organization's inception is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Rooted in a deep commitment to change lives, Son of a Saint has become a driving force in providing mentorship and opportunities to young boys who have lost their fathers. Son of a Saint is a necessary intervention at a delicate time – a wellspring of positive influence when needed most, by boys who need the most.
INSPIRED BY…
THE LEE FAMILY
Bivian Lee, Jr., was an NFL defensive back for the New Orleans Saints from 1971 to 1975. Tragically, in 1984 Bivian died at the young age of 36 after suffering a heart attack. He left behind a wife, a five-year-old daughter, Tamica, and a three-year-old son, Bivian “Sonny” Lee, III.
In turn, Sonny, then 29, founded Son of a Saint on January 1, 2011, in honor of his late father and single mother. Inspired by this journey, Sonny decided to create a support system for young boys in New Orleans who had lost their fathers due to various circumstances.
Today, it continues to provide guidance and opportunities to fatherless boys, honoring its founder's vision of making a difference in their lives.
FOUNDER + CEO
MEET SONNY
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Son of a Saint, Bivian "Sonny" Lee III has dedicated his life to transforming the lives of fatherless boys. Since the organization's inception in early 2011, Sonny has grown Son of a Saint to now serve over 350 boys with an annual budget of more than $5 million. Over its 13 years of existence, Son of a Saint has raised more than $40 million to support its mission and its young men.
Prior to founding the organization, Sonny served as chief aide to Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. He also previously served as the Director of Operations for the New Orleans Zephyrs AAA Baseball Team and Director of Programs for the New Orleans Jazz Institute.
Sonny graduated with honors from St. Augustine High School and later earned a degree in Marketing and Management from the University of NewOrleans. In 2022, he earned his Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration (EMNA) from the University of Notre Dame.
A TEDx speaker on community service, decision-making and the importance of education, Sonny's nonprofit work has been highlighted on CNN, Al Jazeera America, NPR along with local television stations and newspapers.
For speaker and booking inquiries please reach out to olivia@sonofasaint.org.
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● 2023 Tulane University Outstanding Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award
● 2023 New Orleans Kingfish Honoree, New Orleans Magazine
● 2022 Worthy 100 List Honoree, Worth Magazine
● 2021 Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies "Distinguished Friend to Behavior Therapy Award”
● 2020 Urban Heroes Award, The Urban Conservancy
● 2019 “A-List” Honoree, Adore Magazine
● 2018 Homer Hitt Alumnus of the Year, University of New Orleans
● 2017 Southerners of the Year, Southern Living
● 2017 Role Model Award, Young Leadership Council (YLC)
● 2017 Children's Hero Award, Children's Bureau of New Orleans
● 2016 New Orleanian of the Year, Gambit Weekly
● 2015 Angel Award, Blue Cross Foundation
● 2015 Ten Outstanding Young Americans, United States Junior Chamber
● 2014 People to Watch, New Orleans Magazine
● 2013 FBI Director's Community Leadership Award
● 2013 Champion of Change Award, Crescent City Chapter of Links, Inc.
● 2013 Millennial Change Maker Award, Spears Consulting
● 2011 40 Under 40, Gambit Weekly
QUINTEN’S STORY
Quinten joined Son of a Saint in 2011 as the organization's very first mentee. This video captures a candid, reflective conversation between Quinten and Sonny. Their special bond has become the foundation of our organic approach to mentor/mentee pairing.
