WASHINGTON, D.C. - United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United, announced Tuesday that it raised more than $55,000 at the Third Annual United for D.C. Celebrity Golf Tournament, presented by United Bank. Proceeds from the September 13 event, held for the second year at Reston National Golf Course, will benefit the charity's initiatives - including United Reads, Make Sun Safety your Goal and Kicks for Kids - promoting literacy, healthy lifestyles and life skills for youth in the Washington, D.C., area.
"We are tickled that this event continues to exceed our expectations," said Catherine Marquette, executive director of United for D.C. and D.C. United director of community and fan relations. "To have a sell-out in the event's third year was an achievement in itself, but for us to have incorporated several new sponsors - including a presenting sponsor and all-hole sponsor - and to have raised an additional $20,000 above last year is tremendous."
Brisk temperatures in the morning gave way to a sunny afternoon, providing yet another great environment for local and national celebrities including MLS commissioner Don Garber, ESPN's David Aldridge, United president and CEO Kevin Payne, Comcast SportsNet's Russ Thaler, WTOP's Dave Johnson, Washington Wizards head coach Eddie Jordan, D.C. United alumnus John Harkes and former Buffalo Bills kicker Scott Norwood. Also showing off their swings were several current D.C. United stalwarts, including Ben Olsen, Alecko Eskandarian, Freddy Adu, Jaime Moreno, Christian Gómez and captain Ryan Nelsen.
Brian Carroll and his foursome from Merrifield Garden Center took top honors in the captain's-choice best ball event with a 15-under-par 56. They played even with Kevin Payne and his foursome from the Magellan Group, winning courtesy of a better score on the tiebreaker hole. Carroll and his foursome each won a round-trip ticket anywhere in the world from Delta Airlines. D.C. United assistant coach Mark Simpson had the longest drive on the day, while Tom McVean, Sr. took home closest to the pin honors. Tournament participants also contributed to the event by purchasing raffle tickets and mulligans, as well as partaking in a silent auction.
United for D.C. would like to thank the many contributors whose donations made this event possible: Presenting Sponsor and long-time D.C. United partner United Bank; all-hole sponsor The Screaming Eagles, one of United's most-vocal supporters groups; hole sponsors Guernsey Office Products, Arent Fox, Honda, Clear Channel Communications, Cavalier Telephone, Cox Communications, Active Designs, Delta Air Lines, GEICO and the Virginia Baseball Club; and food and beverage sponsors Dunkin' Donuts, Red Hot & Blue, Pepsi & Sierra Mist and Budweiser.
United for D.C.
The mission of United for D.C. is to serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance the educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.
United for D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization created from the desire of D.C. United of Major League Soccer to further the team's dedication to the Greater Washington, D.C. community. Founded in 2002, United for D.C. is committed to supporting programs and organizations falling within the organization's mission, thus giving back to the community that has supported the team so greatly since its inception in 1996.
