Washington, D.C. - D.C. United announced today its Virginia Tech tribute auctions raised $20,570 for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. The club sold, to the highest on-line bidders, maroon memorial jerseys worn by those on the 18-man roster in United's April 28 match at the Columbus Crew. The limited edition kits include a VT memorial ribbon on the left sleeve and are signed by the individual players. Additionally, the club's co-managing partners - Victor MacFarlane and Will Chang - auctioned off their own specially-created memorial jerseys and then each made a donation of $1,340, matching the total earned by Jaime Moreno's shirt, which went for the highest amount.
"D.C. United and our fans have responded overwhelmingly to those affected by this senseless tragedy," said United Executive Vice President Stephen Zack. "While watching from afar, we continue to be moved by the tremendous display of courage and spirit in Blacksburg. Our thoughts are with those who have suffered so greatly."
100% of the proceeds raised will be donated to Virginia Tech's Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, which was created to offer assistance, support and comfort to the families of the victims of the April 16 shooting at the university. United is also in dialogue with the local Virginia Tech Alumni Association seeking methods to continue to assist the school. United fans are encouraged to visit www.vt.edu
for more information on the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, other individual funds and alternative ways to support for those affected.
Beginning tomorrow, D.C. United will re-launch its "Man of the Match" jersey auctions to benefit its non-profit arm, United for D.C. After each United League game, fans will be able to vote for the Man of the Match at www.dcunited.com
. The player named as "Man of the Match" will then autograph the jersey he wore in that particular game, before it is put up for auction on the site. On Wednesday, fans will be able to bid on four jerseys - two from Luciano Emilio and one each from Fred and Troy Perkins - generated during the month of April.
