WASHINGTON, D.C. - United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United, announced today that it raised more than $35,000 at the Third Annual First XI Charity Kick-off Luncheon, which was presented by the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission. Held at the Marriott at Metro Center on Tuesday, March 29, the third-year event was the main public function leading up to D.C. United's 2005 MLS debut.
"Words truly cannot express how pleased we are with the support that this luncheon received from the corporate world and from our fans," said Catherine Marquette, Executive Director of United for D.C. and D.C. United's Director of Community Relations. "This event proved that D.C. United has a loyal following that cares deeply about the team and its activities both on and off the field. It also confirmed the support for the work that United for D.C. accomplishes in the community on a daily basis."
Comcast SportsNet broadcaster Russ Thaler and Dave Johnson, the "voice" of D.C. United, took turns emcee-ing the event while US Soccer Federation Foundation President John Koskinen and DC Sports & Entertainment Commission Chief Executive Officer Allen Lew served as the luncheon's co-keynote speakers. D.C. United Technical Director Dave Kasper and Head Coach Peter Nowak concluded the event by speaking about the upcoming Major League Soccer season and introducing the 2005 D.C. United squad.
The luncheon for the first time in its history had a presenting sponsor in the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission as well as four supporting sponsors: Arent Fox, Blue Eagle Industries, GMAC Commercial Holding Capital Markets and Regional Title. Three-time table sponsors included Comcast SportsNet, DC Stoddert Soccer League and the US Soccer Federation Foundation. In addition to sponsorships, tables and individual seats, United for D.C. also benefited from the silent auction held at the event, which netted over $3,500 for the charity.
For more information on the Third Annual First XI Charity Kick-off Luncheon or on any United for D.C. fundraiser or program, please contact Executive Director Catherine Marquette at 202-587-5443 or at cmarquette@dcunited.com or visit United for D.C.'s website at www.unitedfordc.org.
United for D.C.
United For D.C., Inc. was founded on January 8, 2002 as the charitable arm of Major League Soccer's D.C. United. United For D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization chartered to serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.
