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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, at the Galleria at Lafayette Centre, United for D.C. hosted the Third Annual United Awards Reception, presented by East West Mortgage, Ridgewells and Verizon. Co-emceed by Dave Johnson and Russ Thaler, the event served as an opportunity for the team to honor those who help them out in their community initiatives as well as to hand out season awards to D.C. United players. A fundraiser for D.C. United's charitable arm, United for D.C., the event grossed more than $36,000 for the foundation's charitable programming initiatives.
"I'd like to thank everyone who participated in our reception last night," said D.C. United Sr. Vice President and President of the United for D.C. Board Stephen Zack. "In addition to paying tribute to several community minded individuals and honoring members of our Supporters' Shield winning team, we were able to raise a large amount of money for our deserving charitable programs."
Founded in 2002, United for D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization committed to supporting programs and organizations that help the charity reach disadvantaged youth in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Money raised last night will be used to support the foundation's three major programs: United Reads, Kicks for Kids and United Soccer Club. United Reads, supported by Verizon and the Verizon Foundation, encourages childhood literacy through partnerships with neighboring elementary schools and local health care centers located in Wards 6, 7 and 8 in the District of Columbia. Through the program, United encourages area youth to fall in love with reading while also promoting literacy amongst children and their families. Kicks for Kids provides the game-day experience for thousands of inner-city and under-served youth throughout the greater Washington, D.C. region each season. Through Kicks for Kids, United for D.C. provides qualified non-profit and other community-based organizations with access to free game tickets, meal vouchers, transportation assistance, t-shirts and promotional items as well as special behind-the-bench seating and post-game autographs. United for D.C. and the United Soccer Club, in partnership with DC Parks and Recreation and the Barry Farm Resident Council, runs an after-school soccer program at the Barry Farm Recreation Center, hosting approximately 80 elementary school students from Birney Elementary, Howard Road Academy and Savoy Elementary.
East West Mortgage, Ridgewells and Verizon served as the presenting sponsors for the United Awards Reception, while Budweiser, Clark Construction, the Examiner and the Screaming Eagles contributed as supporting sponsors for the reception, which also included a cocktail hour and a silent auction. Following a highlight video, D.C. United announced its 2006 Team Award winners in a trophy presentation. Christian Gomez (Honda Most Valuable Player, Budweiser Golden Boot, Fans' Choice), Bobby Boswell (Defender of the Year, U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year), Facundo Erpen (Goal of the Year), and Josh Gros (Coaches Award) all took home honors for their play in 2006.
For more information on the Third Annual United Awards Reception or on United for D.C. in general, please contact D.C. United's Community Relations department at 202-587-5000.
