DALLAS, Texas - FC Dallas Interim General Manager John Alper announced today that in the wake of the destruction caused across the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina, FC Dallas, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, will host a drive to collect any and all goods that can be of assistance to the displaced citizens of that region on Saturday, September 10 prior to and during its game against Freddy Adu and the defending MLS Cup champions DC United.
Pizza Hut Park will serve as a primary drop off site for this effort, with FC Dallas staff and members of the Memorial 343 Climb staff located outside the North and South gates for all drop offs. The American Red Cross is in dire need of bedding, blankets, pillows, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and especially water, and asks that you bring any or all of these items to the stadium on Saturday. Also, for those who wish to donate money to the relief effort, you are asked to write a check or money order made payable to the Red Cross.
For all who contribute to this worthy cause, FC Dallas will offer two complimentary tickets to the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal match on Wednesday, September 14 when FC Dallas faces off with its MLS rival, the Chicago Fire. Game time is 7:00 PM at Pizza Hut Park.
In addition to offering complimentary tickets to all who contribute to this charity drive, FC Dallas will make free tickets available to all displaced residents of Alabama, Louisiana, or Mississippi who come to the Pizza Hut Park box office with a valid drivers licenses, for them and their entire family. This free ticket offer will begin on Wednesday, September 14 for the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal against Chicago, and last throughout the final five FC Dallas regular season home matches.
"Given the overwhelming significance of this disaster, we hope that, through our efforts, we can make this transition a little less stressful for those who have been affected by the hurricane," Alper said. "We are encouraging all of our fans who come to Saturday's game to contribute all that they can so that they may help make one of our new neighbors' lives better."
Many FC Dallas players will also be aiding the cause by donating autographed merchandise that will be auctioned off through the team's official website, fcdallas.net, with all proceeds going to the relief effort.
Also, the American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be parked in the Blue Stadium Parking lot, just across from the Baylor Rehabilitation Center East Gate, from 4-9 p.m. for those who are looking to help the relief effort by donating blood.
For more information on how you can help the American Red Cross, please contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-HELPNOW or visit www.RedCross.org.
