Check out photos of the event
A number of FC Dallas players got into the spirit of the holiday season on Monday as they helped thousands of less fortunate North Texas families at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Jeff Cassar, Steve Jolley. Drew Moor, Ramon Nunez and Bobby Rhine were joined by assistant coach Marco Ferruzzi, members of the FC Dallas front office, as well as members of the NHL's Dallas Stars to help distribute more than 30,000 pounds of chicken to area food banks ahead of the holiday season.
The two teams, in addition to Tyson Foods, Ty Inc., and Minyard Food Stores, worked together to support Lift Up America, a non-profit organization partnering with business leaders, pro sports owners, and athletic directors to develop creative ways to provide compassionate aid throughout America with the goals of feeding the nation's hungry and comforting children at the forefront.
"It is an honor for the FC Dallas organization to be a part of an effort such as Lift Up America that is able to help so many people, not just here in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, but throughout the United States," said FC Dallas Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Jeff Busch, who was at the event. "This is a time in which we should all be looking to give what we can to those who are less fortunate and have the team lend a hand and make somebody else's day that much brighter."
"All of the players enjoy being involved with efforts like this," Stars winger Bill Guerin, who was on hand with seven of his teammates, told his team's official website. "We're very fortunate to do what we do for a living and have the wonderful lives we have. It is always important to remember those who are less fortunate than us and try and bring them some good cheer, especially during the holiday season."
This year, the Lift Up America team consists of Tyson Foods, Ty and other major corporations. Tyson is bringing food donations (a total of 2.24 million meals) to many cities across America in the fight against hunger "Powered by Tyson". Ty is providing over 300,000 new Beanie Babies® to comfort and bring hope to every child of each family. In addition to MLS, NHL, NFL and NBA teams, numerous college teams have joined the effort.
"We are thrilled about the partnership between these great organizations," said Dave Hannah, CEO of Lift Up America. "It is truly inspirational to see so many entities coming together with such noble goals in mind."
FC Dallas will players will be back in the helping mood on Thursday evening between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. when they collect toys at Legacy Town Center in Plano as part of WFAA-TV's Santa's Helpers, an event which provides toys for thousands of needy children throughout Dallas and Fort Worth. Go to www.fcdallas.net or www.wfaa.com/santashelpers for more information on this great event and how you can help.
