It's every kid's wish to wake up Christmas morning with presents under the tree, but for a local family there was an added bonus: the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy, also know as the MLS Cup. The Ross family placed the highest bid in the auction organized by the Houston Dynamo, and benefiting Covenant House Texas.
Jonathan Ross, patriarch of the family and Dynamo season ticket holder, was excited about the opportunity of waking up with the Cup on Christmas day. His final bid of $1,850 not only guaranteed his family the chance of hosting the trophy, but aided Covenant House's outreach efforts to keep young people off the streets.
Originally from New York, where Covenant House was founded in 1972, Ross is familiar with the organization. He is also familiar with the work they do in Houston. Covenant House started in Texas as an emergency shelter for homeless, runaway and "throwaway" kids. It soon expanded its programs and services to include counseling, vocational assistance, parenting programs, an assessment center, a health clinic and an Outreach Van.
For the Ross family, who has attended games all season including MLS Cup, this was the best way to end a fabulous first year with the Dynamo. "The kids loved taking pictures with the cup and the Dynamobile", Ross stated. "It added a little something to the Holidays!"
Dynamo staff member Brian Kozel delivered the Cup to the Ross residence on Christmas Eve. "When I got there, the kids were more excited about the Dynamobile than anything else!" he recalls from their first encounter. Soon, the celebration and camera flashes moved inside for photo opportunities of the family and the Cup. Elliott, the youngest member of the family, had eagerly waited for the Cup. He demonstrated his excitement and love for the team by sporting an orange Dynamo jersey.
"It is not every (space) day the Dynamo wins the MLS Cup", said Houston Dynamo President and General Manager Oliver Luck. "Because of that, we are more than happy to share it with our fans. Covenant House Texas will greatly benefit from this auction, and that is what makes it all worthwhile."
