Ray Gaddis talks to CSN Philadelphia. Photo Credit: Ted Brooks/Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union Foundation is celebrating its fifth year of existence in style. In the annual Cocktails and Cleats benefit Gala, the Foundation in partnership with the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department has taken on the initiative to find safe places to play.
While soccer is a growing sport in the city finding a safe place to play isn't easy for everyone. From the lack of quality fields to the simple fact that fields in your neighborhood may not be safe, it can be tough to pick up a ball and play. That's why the Philadelphia Union Foundation and the Philadelphia department of parks and recreation are developing mini pitched throughout the city. These mini pitches are already beginning to pop up and will offer more places to play in the city.
The first mini-pitch has been built at Chester's Stetser Elementary where the Philadelphia Union Foundation also funds after-school programming. The reach of the foundation isn't only limited to the Philadelphia area.
In conjunction with this, the Philadelphia Unity cup is making a comeback. The unity cup showcases the diversity of the city while also growing the sport in the city. But this isn't the only initiative of the foundation this year. Director of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Kathrine Kroll, spoke about the cup saying, "The goal of the Unity Cup is to utilize the internationally loved game of soccer to highlight Philadelphia's diverse immigrant communities and bring them together on the field in friendly competition."
The City of Philadelphia is also taking on the Rebuild Initiative to invest .5 billion dollars into the Parks, Rec Centers, and libraries over the next eight years. Hunting Park is one of the key places that they are looking to improve. This also fits in with the Philadelphia Union Foundation's goal of placing mini pitches around the city.
The Union Foundation is continuing their commitment to mentorship with their partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters while also working with Philabundance on eliminating food deserts. Last year, the event raised 80,000 dollars and just in ticket sales this year, the gala has raised 89,000 dollars so far.
Sharp 👌
The boys are here to support our Foundation's Cocktails and Cleats event pic.twitter.com/MwxA55hO6w
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) September 13, 2017
The event is one of the more interesting of its kind in Philadelphia as players, staff and fans alike can interact while also raising money for good causes. With Tommy Smyth and JP Dellacamera as the MCs, it's always a good time. It included live performances, two auctions (one live, one silent) and a comedy show.
I will update this story with the full amount of money raised once the final numbers come in.
