WASHINGTON, DC --
D.C. United announced today it 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
. This season, 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. Marcelo Gallardo earned Man of the Match honors in United's season opener at Kansas City. His jersey from the game is now being auctioned at
www.dcunited.com
"The Man of the Match auction is a great way for our fans across the country to receive an authentic game worn jersey, while the proceeds are used to help support our programs locally," said United for D.C. Executive Director Sara Peterson.
United for D.C. was incorporated on January 8, 2002, to serve as D.C. United's own 501(c)3 charitable arm. As it celebrates its sixth anniversary in 2008, United for D.C. will continue to conduct a series of fundraising events and pursue grant and individual donor solicitations, in an effort to support various programs and organizations that also serve to improve the lives of the youth of this region.
United for D.C. focuses on reading and literacy, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles and life skills. United Reads, a United for D.C. initiative, encourages youth to fall in love with reading with the practice of reading, providing books and other resources to the community and promoting literacy amongst children and families. Kicks for Kids provides the "game-day experience" for more than 10,000 inner-city, at-risk or other under-served youth each D.C. United season. This program has grown substantially over the years. Last year's efforts were well met, with more than 7,500 tickets donated to the disadvantaged youth in the D.C. community. United for D.C. was able to provide tickets to all 136 organizations that applied to this program. United Soccer Club, the newest United for D.C. program, creates opportunities for youth (in K through 3rd grades) to play organized soccer East of the Anacostia River.
United for D.C. also hosts charity events, such as the annual Kickoff Luncheon held the week preceding the MLS season. The proceeds from this year's luncheon totaled over $42,000. The event also gained support from MLS Commissioner Don Garber, who served as keynote speaker for the event. Monday, June 23rd marks the Seventh Annual United Celebrity Golf Tournament at the Old Hickory Golf Club in Woodbridge, Virginia. Sponsorship opportunities for the event include presenting, supporting, all-hole, one hole, one foursome and one individual.
For more information about the Man of the Match Auction, or any other United For D.C. programs, please contact Sara Peterson at speterson@dcunited.com or by phone at (202) 587-5463.
