July was another busy month for Stand Together. Not only were players and front office staff out helping youth in the community, but Stand Together launched its Twitter handle. Follow @PTStandTogether for more updates on how the Portland Timbers are making a difference in the community!
The Timbers win Greener Goals contest
Thanks to the incredible support fan support, the Portland Timbers won the MLS W.O.R.K.S./Continental Tire "How Green Are Your Goals?" contest. For winning the league-wide contest, a deserving school in Portland will receive a $50,000 solar panel installation as part of an MLS W.O.R.K.S. Earth Day 2013 community service project. Jeffrey Briley and his daughter Maya flew to the MLS All Star Game in Philadelphia to represent the Timbers for a special presentation.
Joe Bendik named MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month for July
Timbers goalkeeper Joe Bendik was honored by MLS W.O.R.K.S. for his fundraising efforts for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on behalf of his eight-year-old nephew, Gavin, who suffers from the disease. Bendik’s family is involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and efforts in finding a cure. Bendik led the Portland chapter of Team Gavin in the Great Strides event at Oaks Park on May 19 and helped raise $3,000 locally, and more than $30,000 nationwide.
The Portland Timbers lose their boots
On July 3 at the home San Jose match, the Portland Timbers conducted the Lose the Boot auction. Fans bid on a pair of a player’s game-worn cleats and the winners went on-field following the match to meet the player, receive the autographed boots and have a photo taken to commemorate the event. All the proceeds benefitted MercyCorps, and their Sport for Change program.
Summer Community Fund grants awarded
The Portland Timbers awarded Community Fund grants to nine local nonprofit organizations including The Black Parent Initiative, Children’s Book Bank, I Have a Dream Foundation, My Music Voice, Northwest Family Services, Oregon Youth Soccer Association, Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives, Inc., Self Enhancement, Inc. and Start Making a Reader Today.
Each organization was recognized during halftime of the July 3 match and were presented plaques by the Portland Timbers Community Fund board.
This is the second of three rounds of Portland Timbers Community Fund grants that are given annually to charitable, non-profit organizations that fall under one of the following areas of focus: youth education, youth sports, youth health and fitness, environmental awareness and activism with youth and families.
Summer Youth Connect Tours
The Portland Timbers front office staff hosted over 60 students at JELD-WEN Field on July 10 and 12 to give them an inside look at the Portland Timbers and potential career options in the sports industry. The students were a part of “Ninth Grade Counts,” a summer program put on by the City of Portland and Mayor Sam Adams’ office for students entering their freshman year of high school.
At the field, the students were challenged with activities by the marketing and sponsorship departments with activities, played Timbers-themed Jeopardy, sat through informational interviews with front office staff members and met Timbers forward Sebastián Rincón.
WATCH: Timbers & Aston Villa players visit Randall Children's Hospital
Timbers, Aston Villa players meet kids at Randall Children’s Hospital
Timbers players David Horst and Eric Alexander and Aston Villa players Stephen Ireland, Daniel Johnson and Samir Carruthers visited kids at Randall Children’s Hospital on July 23 and participated in the Children Cancer Association’s program, MusicRx. MusicRx focuses on the healing powers of music, using scientifically proven methods of music therapy to soothe and engage hospitalized children.
Little Timbers Fan Club
KeyBank Little Timbers Fan Club (LTFC) were invited to JELD-WEN Field to watch a Timbers training session and participate in a question and answer session with Timbers players and roommates, Futty Danso and Lovel Palmer on July 31. KeyBank LTFC is for children 12 and under and offers exclusive events and opportunities to members, such as Reserves Team season tickets, stadium tours and Q&A sessions with players. To learn more and to sign up for KeyBank LTFC, click here.
The Timbers are rounding out a busy summer with even more great Stand Together events. Here are some things to look for in the coming months:
Portland Timbers Corporate Cup
The Portland Timbers Corporate Cup is an adult soccer tournament that brings respected Pacific Northwest corporations together for soccer and networking, with all proceeds benefiting Portland Youth Builders. As 2011-2013 Pillar Partners, the Portland Timbers have assisted Portland Youth Builders in helping low-income youth make long-term positive changes in their lives through education, vocational training, leadership development and personalized counseling. Qualifying rounds will take place August 10 through August 12. The championship matches will be played at JELD-WEN Field August 18.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Brother Day
Timber Joey, David Horst and Jake Gleeson will be at Widmer Brothers on August 11 to celebrate Brother’s Day with Big Brothers, Big Sisters Columbia Northwest. Come out and support Big Brothers, Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, meet the players and enter to win prizes!
Special thanks to the adidas Timbers Team Store and Game Day Merchandising for collecting donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest this month!”
