Washington, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that the May 26 game against the Houston Dynamo will serve as a fundraiser for Eastern Market. A fire devastated the historic building near RFK Stadium on April 30. For each ticket sold to the game, United will donate $3 to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation to provide assistance to market merchants and their employees. Kick-off for the match is set for 7:30 p.m. with tickets available via all TicketMaster outlets or through www.dcunited.com.
"We at D.C. United are anxious to lend a helping hand to our neighbors at Eastern Market," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "The dedicated merchants and their employees provide a great service to our community and we hope to respond in kind during their time of need. We hope that our great fans and other local residents will join us at RFK Stadium on May 26 to raise money for this very worthy cause and to cheer on the Black-and-Red."
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 fund is set to: help with the temporary relocation of merchants to an appropriate nearby site in order that they resume business quickly and continue serving the community, provide material, support and encouragement to the merchants and their employees during this transition, monitor the progress of the building's restoration and help the city return it to normal operations as soon as possible.
"The Capital Hill Community Foundation could not be more pleased at the outpouring of support we have received to support the Eastern Market rebuild effort," said Nicky Cymrot, Executive Director of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation. "We are especially thankful for the support of D.C. United, who continues to demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to our community."
To date, grants have been given for the purchase of tables, chairs, coolers, scales, a refrigerated food trailer, and for direct assistance to employees for loss of wages. The fund will also be providing refrigeration for a number of the other merchants in order that they can set up outside quickly. New signage will also be provided for the merchants.
"I am very gratified to see D.C. United turn to their neighbor at a time of need and find a way to lend a helping hand," said D.C. Councilmember Tommy Wells, Ward 6. "These funds will help our displaced Eastern Market merchants and ensure they are ready to open for business as soon as this historic landmark is rebuilt."
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.
