WASHINGTON, DC - United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United, will give fans of the Black-and-Red a unique opportunity this year as the charity hosts the Inaugural United Awards Reception on Monday, October 18th, 2004 at The State Theatre in Falls Church, VA. This fundraising event, opening with registration at 6:30 p.m. and a cocktail reception beginning at 7:00 p.m., marks the first time that D.C. United's end-of-season awards banquet will be open to the public.
"We're happy to give D.C. United's fans the opportunity to be a part of the end-of-year team awards ceremony," said Catherine Marquette, Executive Director of United for D.C. and United Director of Community and Fan Relations. "Our fans have been tremendous supporters of both the team and our charitable foundation, and for us to be able to combine the two organizations is a great opportunity. We're also pleased to be able to showcase our inaugural class of grant recipients at such a high-profile event."
At the reception, D.C. United will honor the recipients of 2004's individual honors. United will name several superlatives, including the Honda Most Valuable Player, the Budweiser Scoring champion, the Defender of the Year, the U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year and the People's Choice Award presented by BREITLING and Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers. The winners of these team honors will then compete against their peers from other MLS sides for League top honors, to be awarded prior to MLS Cup 2004.
In addition to recognizing the individual team honors, United for D.C. will present their first class of grant recipients awarded through the United for D.C. Community Grants Program. Funded by the success of United for D.C.'s various fundraisers, the Community Grants Program allows the charity to take a more active role in realizing its mission by awarding up to $25,000 in grants for programs and non-profit organizations throughout the Washington, DC area that use the sport of soccer to make a positive impact in the lives of disadvantaged youth.
Registration will open at 6:30 p.m., with a cocktail reception beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Reception will begin at 8:00 p.m., concluding at approximately 10:00 p.m.
Tickets and sponsorships are now available for the Inaugural United Awards Reception, with individual tickets priced at $50.00 and a group of five tickets available for $225.00. United for D.C. also offers two sponsorship levels - Presenting ($2,500) and Supporting ($1,000) - each of which include full recognition at the event along with five invitations to the reception. To purchase tickets, or for more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Catherine Marquette at cmarquette@dcunited.com or 202-587-5443.
United for D.C.
The mission of United for D.C. is to serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance the educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.
United for D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization created from the desire of D.C. United of Major League Soccer to further the team's dedication to the Greater Washington, D.C. community. Founded in 2002, United for D.C. is committed to supporting programs and organizations falling within the organization's mission, thus giving back to the community that has supported the team so greatly since its inception in 1996.
