COLUMBUS - Columbus Crew General Manager and Crew Soccer Foundation President Mark McCullers announced today that all proceeds from Saturday's Second Annual Crew Soccer Foundation Silent Auction will be donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to assist with its ongoing efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The fund-raising auction, which had already been scheduled to benefit the CSF, is being held in conjunction with the Crew's 7:30 p.m. game vs. Chicago this Saturday, September 17.
Cash donations will also be accepted at the auction to benefit Red Cross relief efforts. And as an incentive to give $20 or more, the Crew is offering a voucher for two tickets to its game this Wednesday, Sept. 21, vs. first-place New England.
The American Red Cross is currently helping thousands of people driven from their homes by Hurricane Katrina, including 500 families who have found their way to Columbus. Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 70,000 disasters, including house or apartment fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hazardous materials spills, transportation accidents, explosions, and other natural and man-made disasters.
"As the magnitude of this disaster and extent of its devastation became painfully evident, it was clear to us that this is the right thing to do," McCullers said. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are extremely grateful for the support and generosity of our donors, which is enabling us to take this action. There continues to be a pressing need for relief resources and I encourage everyone in attendance on Saturday to visit the CSF Silent Auction and support the noble efforts of the American Red Cross."
The auction will take place behind the west ticket booth under the Kohl's sign on the Crew Kicker Plaza, beginning at 6 p.m., when gates open, continuing throughout the game and for 30 minutes following the its completion. It will provide an opportunity for fans to bid on some fabulous, unique items and packages, including framed jerseys from soccer stars Brad Friedel, Freddy Adu, and Tony Meola; footballs autographed by Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel; Golf foursomes to some of the finest private golf courses in central Ohio; Romantic packages, including hotel stays and fine dining gift certificates; Getaway packages; gift baskets and much more.
Fans must be present to participate and cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express will be accepted.
The Crew Soccer Foundation is the club's charitable arm [501(c)(3)], whose initiatives include the successful Kicks for Kids program - now in its eighth season - which affords deserving children the opportunity to attend Crew home games. We are dedicated to giving back to the community that supports Ohio's Major League Soccer club, by serving as a catalyst for community investment and development. Leveraging the club's unique status as the state's - and region's - acknowledged soccer leader, the CSF works to advance the sport at all levels and enrich the overall quality of life in central Ohio and beyond, with an emphasis on developing the potential of our area's young people.
For more information on the Crew Soccer Foundation, please contact Dave Stephany, executive director, at 614-447-4190 or DStephany@TheCrew.com.
