An effort called “Soccerhood” kicked off its fundraising on Wednesday, raising $136 towards a goal of $1,500 by the end of September 2014.
Soccerhood aims to pay for six kids from local immigrant families to play soccer in the South Mountain soccer program.
On Wednesday, money was raised through a goal kicking event at the Rock the Hill summer concert at Flood’s Hill in South Orange. For a $1 donation, local kids matched their skills against South Mountain Soccer’s best goalies. Cash raised Wednesday will buy equipment (cleats, shin guards) being offered at a generous discount by Kicks N Sticks.
Volunteer organizer Elizabeth Sarkisian was pleased with the results on Wednesday.
“I want to thank all of you for coming out last night to help with Soccerhood‘s fundraiser at Rock the Hill!” she wrote in an email. “It was great to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers, and the community’s support for the program. We raised $136 in cash, which is a good start towards the money needed for the registrations and equipment. More importantly, the exposure we received for both Soccerhood and the Y’s Togetherhood program last night should also help us in our fundraising efforts moving forward.”
Other Soccerhood organizers include Jen Latimer (Media Specialist, Clinton School), Kate Fearon (ELL teacher, Clinton School) and Katie Simpson (ELL teacher, Maplewood Middle School).
Other ways to support fundraising include:
- Sponsor a player. $175 covers the registration cost for a single player. Checks can be made out to the Village of South Orange, with a notation of “Soccerhood”, and should be sent to: Elizabeth Sarkisian, 500 Ridgewood Rd, Maplewood NJ 07040. (These donations are tax deductible. Please send to Sarkisian rather than to the Baird so that Soccerhood may track the donations that are specific to Soccerhood.)
- General Donations. Soccerhood welcomes cash or check donations of any amount, no matter how small. Checks can be written or cash can be given to Elizabeth Sarkisian with a notation of “Soccerhood”, and should be sent to: Elizabeth Sarkisian, 500 Ridgewood Rd, Maplewood NJ 07040. (These donations are not tax deductible, as Soccerhood is not yet set up as an official charity.)
Soccerhood organizers report that 100% of money raised will go towards equipment and registration, any amount in excess of funds needed will be set aside for the Spring season. Soccerhood offers full disclosure on the amount of money raised and how it is allocated.
Watch this space for the announcement of future fundraising events.
For further information, contact Elizabeth Sarkisian:sarkisianelizabeth@gmail.com
Photos provided by Marcia Meehan of the South Mountain YMCA.
