Washington Youth Soccer Donates During 50th Anniversary Gala
Washington Youth Soccer will host its 50th Anniversary Gala in September with the fundraising event donating all contributions to the underprivileged. The Washington Youth Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success program aims to develop elementary schools in the Highline, Kent and Auburn districts.
Youth Soccer News: It’s more than just a birthday party. Washington Youth Soccer’s 50th Anniversary Gala on September 9 is the all-important funding kickoff event for our new foundation that focuses on bringing this great game to the underserved.
Coordinating the foundation’s formation is Hillary Beehler, who understands firsthand the challenges many families face in getting kids onto the playing field. Beehler says the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation seeks to build out the flourishing Soccer for Success program ongoing at elementary schools in the Highline, Kent and Auburn districts.
“When I was growing up,” says Beehler, “there was a period of time when my family was pretty poor. I didn’t even ask to play soccer. I wanted to. My older brother played, but I just knew in that moment we really couldn’t afford and so I didn’t ask.
“That’s what I really love about our (Soccer for Success) program,” she exclaims. “It takes away that fear of kids wanting to ask their parents to play. It completely eliminates that concern. We want everybody playing soccer and so we will meet you where you are. It takes that piece away from the family.
“Our goal,” states Beehler, “is to make all families feel included in the soccer community and connect them with regular soccer playing opportunities, like local rec or competitive, because they are all part of the soccer community.
“We’re celebrating the last 50 years and in looking forward, we don’t know what youth soccer is going to look like,” Beehler acknowledges. “But we do know there are thousands of kids in this state that should be playing soccer. It’s our job to help find opportunities.”
Still Room at the Table
It’s not too late to reserve space for yourself or your group at the 50th Anniversary Gala, but seats are fast filling up. Over 75 percent of the tables are full.
Gala guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner with fine wines at the Hyatt Regency at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The program will feature a yet-to-be-named guest speaker and other celebrity appearances.
Putting the F-U-N in Funding
Live and silent auctions at the gala are important pieces to providing the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation proper funding out of the gate. John Curley will serve as auctioneer with Jim Dever assisting.
Among the items and experiences up for bid:
• Sunday Night Football Seahawks Ultimate Reserve Club Experience for 2 (Dec. 4)
• Sounders FC Suite for 20 Matchday Experience
• Trip to London for an English Premier League match
• Plus, there’s a limited number of Argentina jerseys signed by Lionel Messi, 5 time Ballon d’Or recipient
Join Us!
The 50 Year Anniversary Gala will feature a gourmet meal, live and silent auctions, celebrity emcee and guest speaker to be announced at a later date, as well as video presentations and awards celebrating the past 50 years of Washington Youth Soccer.
When: Friday, September 9, 2016 at 6 pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Bellevue
Honorary Chair: Adrian Hanauer, Majority Owner of Seattle Sounders FC
Ticket: $200 per person
Attire: Cocktail
Click here to:
• Sponsor a table
• Buy a ticket
• Donate an auction item
For more information about Washington Youth Soccer, visit here.
Source/Photo Credit: Washington Youth Soccer
