D.C. United and its non-profit arm, United for D.C., announced details of the Sixth Annual Kick-off Luncheon, to be held on Tuesday, March 25. The event, a fundraiser for United for D.C., will take place in the Presidential Ballroom of the Capital Hilton and be the first opportunity to meet the newest members of United, including designated player Marcelo Gallardo.
"With a host of new players wearing the D.C. United badge this season, the luncheon is a great place to mix and mingle with our newest players for the first time," said United Executive Vice President and United for D.C. President, Stephen Zack. "In addition to being a great event for fans, the money made goes to the great programs of our non-profit arm, which continues to grow in size and influence in our surrounding communities."
Presenting and supporting sponsorships are available for $5,000 and $3,000, respectively. Both allow for recognition on all future press releases, website postings, e-newsletter communication pieces and luncheon materials. Each sponsorship includes a table at the luncheon for nine attendees, who will be paired with a player or coach, while the presenting sponsorship also allows for a representative from the organization to address the crowd.
Additionally, tables are available for $1,000 each, which allows for nine individuals to sit with a player or coach during the event. Individual spots are available for $150 per person. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed under the law. United for D.C. will also host a silent auction with items from D.C. United, other teams across Major League Soccer and other sports teams and places of business.
All proceeds from the event will go to benefit United for D.C., which was established by D.C. United as a 501 (c) 3 organization in 2002. The non-profit has three signature programs: United Reads which supports childhood literacy in Wards 6, 7 and 8 in six D.C. public schools; Kicks for Kids which provides the game-day experience to thousands of inner-city, under-served youth each season; and United Soccer Club which was developed after a request from Ward 8 families for meaningful after school opportunities to play organized soccer. Fore more information on United for D.C.'s many initiatives, please visit unitedfordc.org.
D.C. United's Major League Soccer season kicks off on March 29, when the team travels to Kansas City to take on the Wizards. The team's first home game is on April 5, when Toronto FC visits RFK Stadium (7:30 p.m.). The team begins CONCACAF Champions Cup play in mid-March, hosting Jamaica's Harbour View on March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
