WASHINGTON, D.C. - United for D.C. - the charitable arm of D.C. United - announced on Thursday plans to host the Kicks for Kids fall reception from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday. The event will again be held at RFK Stadium to provide an opportunity for approximately 200 at-risk and disadvantaged children from the Washington, D.C., area to enjoy an extended experience at a D.C. United home game. Beneficiaries for the fall reception include Believe in Tomorrow, Metro TeenAIDS, the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless, Inc., Health Services for Children With Special Needs, Inc. DC SCORES, USO of Metropolitan Washington, Pave the Way Enterprises, Inc., Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of DC, Facilitating Leadership in Youth, Alternative House - The Abused & Homeless Children's Refuge and the Arlington Public Schools' Teen Parenting Program.
"Although United for D.C. and the Kicks for Kids program already provide hundreds of kids the opportunity to experience a D.C. United home match, our spring and fall receptions give us a chance to take it to the next level," said Catherine Marquette, executive director of United for D.C. and community & fan relations director for D.C. United. "We love being able to host these pre-game events and provide a welcoming environment for the kids. We'll be coloring, playing soccer and learning. It will be a great time."
In addition to receiving a free ticket to Saturday's match against the New England Revolution, these select Kicks for Kids beneficiaries will receive a fully catered meal, a goodie bag and will lead the youth parade on the pitch prior to kickoff. D.C. United goalkeeper Nick Rimando will also make an appearance at the reception, giving all of the kids in attendance a Nick's SideKicks t-shirt. At the reception, the kids will also work on creating a mural celebrating the Kicks for Kids program's message of making healthy lifestyle choices.
Saturday's reception is the second of two scheduled for the 2004 season. The Spring reception was held on May 15th as part of United's match against the Kansas City Wizards. The events offer an opportunity for Kicks for Kids benefactors to see first-hand how their contributions help the Washington, D.C. community. 2004's list of benefactors includes: adidas, AOL, Aramark, Brotman Winter Fried, Capital One, Cavalier Telephone, Cox Communications, the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission, Esskay Hotdogs, FGM Incorporated, Geico, GMG Services, Guernsey Office Products, Hyundai, Jones Day, Miller & Long Construction, Pepsi, R & R Catering, the Case Foundation and the Colburn Family Foundation.
The Kicks for Kids program is in its eighth season, its first completely under the auspices of United for D.C. Through the generous assistance of its benefactors, Kicks for Kids provides opportunities for at-risk and disadvantaged youth in the Washington, D.C. area to experience the game-day excitement of D.C. United free of charge. Attending youths receive a ticket to a United home game, a meal voucher good for a hot dog, chips and a drink, and promotional items. In addition, the program encourages youth to live a substance-free lifestyle by asking youth attending games through the Kicks for Kids program to sign a pledge card, promising an alcohol-, tobacco- and drug-free lifestyle.
United for D.C.
The mission of United for D.C. is to service 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.
