Washington, D.C. - D.C. United announced today a $50,000 donation to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. Almost two weeks before United hosted the Houston Dynamo, United President and CEO Kevin Payne declared his desire to "lend a helping hand to our neighbors in the Eastern Market," a building that was destroyed in a fire last month, and announced that $3 per ticket sold for the match would be donated to the fund. Though that effort raised more than $43,000, D.C. United rounded the total up to an even $50,000.
"Within our mission statement, D.C. United pledges to win championships and to serve the community," said Payne. "A four-time MLS Cup champion, we stand just as proud to have provided a helping hand to our neighbors at Eastern Market. The dedicated merchants and their employees provide a great service to our community and we have been anxious to see them open for business once again."
The Capitol Hill Community Foundation has established the Eastern Market-Keep it Going Fund, with hopes of seeing the Eastern Market building fully restored and functioning again as the center of Capitol Hill community life. The funds many purposes includes: helping with the temporary relocation of merchants to an appropriate nearby site in order that they resume business quickly and continue serving the community; providing material, support and encouragement to the merchants and their employees during this transition; monitoring the progress of the building's restoration; and helping the city return it to normal operations as soon as possible.
"D.C. United has been an incredible supporter of our foundation as we work to help the merchants displaced by last month's fire," said Nicky Cymrot, president of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. "Eastern Market is the heart and soul of the Capitol Hill community. While we work towards rebuilding the historic market, donations like these help us to provide material support and encouragement to the merchants and Market personnel during this transition."
Capitol Hill Community Foundation
The Capitol Hill Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1989,supports the Capitol Hill community through grants to schools, charities, service organizations, arts groups, and important neighborhood projects. Funding comes entirely from large and small donations from hundreds of local businesses and individuals, and every dollar we collect goes back out in grants. Members of the board of directors pay all administrative costs of the Foundation. 100% of all contributions are distributed back to the community.
About Eastern Market
Built in 1873 and designed by architect Adolf Cluss, Eastern Market is the last of Washington's 19th century markets to remain in continuous operation. It is easily accessible by Metro and adjacent to numerous restaurants and shops in the picturesque Capitol Hill neighborhood. The South Hall is the last remaining traditional market in Washington. Weekends are enlivened by an outdoor Farmers Market, the Market Festival, an Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturdays and The Flea Market at Eastern Market on Sundays. With all these attractions, Eastern Market has become an internationally recognized destination.
