WASHINGTON, DC - United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United, Thursday announced plans Thursday to host the Third Annual Kicks for Kids Spring Reception from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. The event, to be held for the first time at RFK Stadium, will provide approximately 200 at-risk and disadvantaged children from the Washington, D.C. area an extended opportunity to enjoy a D.C. United home game. Spring Reception beneficiaries include groups from the Latin American Youth Center, the Crossroads Youth Program, the Children's Law Center, Wesley Housing Development Corporation, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Inc., DC SCORES, Arlington Housing Corporation, Inc., Carpenter's Shelter, Pave the Way Enterprises, Inc., the Capitol Community Soccer Club and the Family Resource Learning Center.
"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 Kansas City Wizards, these select Kicks for Kids beneficiaries will receive a fully catered meal, a Kicks for Kids T-shirt and goodie bag, and will lead the youth parade on the pitch prior to the game's kickoff. The reception will also include a presentation by City Year's DECYDE (Dramatic Empowerment: City Year Drug Education) Team on the dangers of substance abuse. The presentation complements the Kicks for Kids program's message of living a substance-free lifestyle.
Saturday's reception is the first of two scheduled for the 2004 season, with a Fall Reception to follow prior to United's Oct. 9th match against the New England Revolution. The receptions 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, Brotman Winter Fried, Cavalier Telephone, Cox Communications, the D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission, Esskay Hotdogs, FGM Incorporated, Geico, GMG Services, Guernsey Office Products, Hyundai, Jones Day, 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.
For more information on United for D.C. and its programs or fundraising activities, please contact Catherine Marquette at (202) 587-5443 or visit www.unitedfordc.org.
