Fundraiser Hopes to Keep Waukegan Kicking
Winter's days are shorter, the air is cooler, and snow is all-around. It's also an important fundraising time for local soccer teams. Heart of the City will host their first fundraiser at Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan on January 20th.
Adrienne Wright, Director of Development for the nonprofit and organizer of the event, said she hopes the community will support its mission to keep kids kicking by helping sustain its life-changing soccer programs.
In soccer, a penalty kick is a type of free kick awarded if a foul occurs inside the offending player's penalty box. Players can take a shot on the goal while only the opposing team's goalkeeper defends it.
This inaugural fundraising event offers local youth ages 10 and under the chance to take penalty kick shots against a local community leader.
Waukegan's Mayor Sam Cunningham, Lake County Board Member Vance D. Wyatt, and 4th Ward Alderman David Villalobos will generously donate time to serve as goalies alongside other community leaders during the day's festivities.
Generous sponsorships from Family Chiropractic Sports & Rehab, Soccer Paradise, Mano a Mano Family Resource Center, and the Landa Insurance Group help to underwrite the family-friendly event.
"Fundraisers like this one are important events for our teams, particularly for our recreation league, because our families rely on our program's continued affordability," shared Wright.
The event is open to the community. Participants registration will start January 2nd at Heartofthecitysports.org. There will be a $5 entry fee (6 penalty kicks) for participants ages 10 and under. Older youth can also enter to participate in a soccer ball juggling contest at noon for $5.
Opportunities to try to score a goal will also be sold at the door for $1 per kick.
Vendors from businesses and organizations around Lake County will also be on-site to share information with families. Businesses interested in becoming sponsors or vendors can contact Adrienne@heartofthecitysports.org for more information.
About Heart of the City
Heart of the City changes the trajectory of young lives in Lake County, IL by ensuring affordable access to organized soccer experiences. The charitable nonprofit inspires its players to become competitive on the field, successful in the classroom, and productive in the community. For more information visit Heartofthecitysports.org or email info@heartofthecitysports.org.