March saw the beginning of the Portland Timbers’ regular season and the continued strong presence of the team in the community. Community programs for the 2012 season are underway, and the players, ambassadors, and Timber Joey are as involved as ever.
Adopt-a-Club
In March, the Timbers announced the expansion of the Adopt-a-Club program, presented by CenturyLink, and invited 20 teams to participate in 2012. The final teams and their 25 player mentors have been finalized for the season. Congratulations to our “adopted” clubs!
Timbers Alumni Ambassadors - Photo: Ethan Erickson
Alumni Ambassadors
Timbers Alumni Ambassadors John Bain, Jim Brazeau, Bernie Fagan, Mick Hoban, Lee Morrison and Scot Thompson returned for their second season, and were joined by former goalkeeper Adin Brown.
Ambassadors represent the Portland Timbers throughout the community at events, appearances, speaking engagements and at the occasional youth camp or soccer clinic. All seven were introduced and recognized at halftime during the home opener against Philadelphia Union.
Tix for Kids
Tix for Kids is a Stand Together program that donates tickets to youth-focused nonprofit organizations in Oregon and southwest Washington to get children to matches who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. In March, 4 Worlds United, Green Sports Alliance, Girls, Inc., Open Meadow, Special Olympics Oregon and the Children’s Cancer Association all received tickets courtesy of sponsors Alaska Airlines, Burgerville, JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, KPTV, NW Natural, PGE and Providence Health & Services.
Futty visits Clear Creek Middle School
Futty Danso met with students at Clear Creek Middle School in Gresham who raised $200 to send 12 soccer balls to underprivileged children in Uganda through their Service Learning Soccer class.
While there, Danso described the difference a simple soccer ball can make in the lives of children in Africa, where areas may be affected by war, disease or famine.
Futty Danso at Clear Creek Elementary - Photo: Portland Timbers
The students raised the money by raffling off prizes such as Timbers tickets and a membership for the Eastside Timbers, an adidas Timbers Alliance youth team. The six students who raised the most money for the cause attended the Timbers’ home opener on March 12.
Players and ambassadors help out at youth camps
Darlington Nagbe and community ambassador Scot Thompson made appearances at Portland Timbers youth soccer camps this month, while Freddie Braun helped with the Newburg soccer camp for a day. Players and ambassadors talked with the kids, signed autographs and participated in Q & A sessions.
Timber Joey: Superhero
Timber Joey participated in Superhero Month at Portland Children’s Museum. On March 7, he read books to children at the museum during a special superhero story time. Attendees then had a chance to meet and get autographs from Timber Joey as well.
Captain Jack gives back
On March 6, Jack Jewsbury was honored by the American Red Cross at its Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions for helping to raise over $11,000 for Red Cross disaster relief after a devastating tornado tore through Joplin, Mo. in May 2011. Jewsbury, a Joplin native, partnered with the American Red Cross, Timbers fans and Stand Together to contribute to the relief and rebuilding of Joplin, 75 percent of which was affected by the tornado, the costliest tornado in U.S. history.
Jewsbury also made his debut as a designer at the Power of the Purse event on March 9 (above). The Timbers' captain partnered with design firm Ziba to create a bag to be auctioned off to benefit Girls, Inc., a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart and bold. Jewsbury’s bag raised over $3,600.
Community Fund
Nine nonprofit organizations received $40,000 in grants through Stand Together and the Portland Timbers Community Fund with the help of partners JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, Alaska Airlines, adidas, PGE and Burgerville.
Adelante Mujeres, Camp Fire Columbia, The Community Cycling Center, The Council for Responsible Sport, Girls, Inc., Miracle Theatre Group, Mittleman Jewish Community Center, Open Meadow Alternative School and Playworks were presented with these grants at a recognition during halftime of the March 31 home game against Real Salt Lake.
The Portland Timbers Community Fund will donate $120,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations in 2012--$20,000 more than last year. To apply for the summer grant cycle, click here for more information. Letters of Interest are due by Monday, April 23.
Tix for Kids - Photo: Ethan Erickson
Concordia Dedication
As part of the Timbers field grant program in 2011, the Timbers presented Concordia University with $20,000 for their new Concordia University & Community Athletic Complex last June. The Hilken Community Stadium opened and was dedicated on March 3, 2012 with Portland Timbers COO, Mike Golub in attendance.
The stadium, located in northeast Portland, will be used predominantly by the community. Over 50 percent of field time is given to local community groups, including Central Catholic baseball and Northeast United Soccer Club.
Fundraising Efforts
At the 2012 Kickoff Luncheon, Stand Together raised over $6,000 by auctioning off autographed jerseys and the opportunity to have a photo with the player afterward. The Timbers also launched in-game fundraising efforts, auctioning off memorabilia to benefit Stand Together. Look for the Stand Together table on the main concourse next to the suite entrance during home games to make your bid.
Special thanks to the adidas Timbers Team Store and Game Day Merchandising for collecting donations for Stand Together this month!
