An effort called “Soccerhood” is working to raise $1,500 by the end of September 2014, to pay for six kids from local immigrant families to play soccer in the South Mountain soccer program.
Donations are being solicited tonight at Rock the Hill in South Orange at Flood’s Hill. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
The donations will cover cost of registration and equipment, and volunteers from SOMSD schools and teammates will help with the logistical coordination also required.
Organizers say that “not only will these kids have the pleasure of playing a sport they enjoy, but past participation has shown increased integration into their communities, improvement in their language skills, and and a growing sense of confidence.”
The volunteer organizers are Elizabeth Sarkisian (local parent), Jen Latimer (Media Specialist, Clinton School), Kate Fearon (ELL teacher, Clinton School) and Katie Simpson (ELL teacher, Maplewood Middle School).
A press release from the group related:
Jen, Kate and Katie saw the need in the community, and took it upon themselves to enroll a few interested youths in past seasons at their own personal expense. We are seeking help from the greater community in order to allow more kids the opportunity to play. Additionaly, Soccerhood is being run with the assistance of the South Mountain Y’s “Togetherhood” grant, which aims to foster greater volunteerism within our community.
Soccerhood is hosting a Goal Kicking event at the Rock the Hill summer concert event tonight — Wednesday, July 30. For a $1 donation, all comers can match their skills against South Mountain Soccer’s best goalies.
Cash raised tonight will go towards equipment (cleats, shinguards) being offered at a generous discount by Kicks N Sticks.
Watch this space for the announcement of future fundraising events.
You can also support the effort as follows:
- 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.
For further information, contact Elizabeth Sarkisian: sarkisianelizabeth@gmail.com
