Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2009) - D.C. United will participate in a four-team challenge to see which club can collect the most funds for Nothing But Nets during a month-long Major League Soccer initiative that culminates on World Malaria Day on April 25. Created by the United Nations Foundation, Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. A $10 donation goes directly toward the purchase, distribution and education about the proper use of a long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed net, which can prevent Malaria.
“We sometimes take for granted issues that other countries have to deal with on a regular basis,” said United Community Relations Director Aprile Pritchet. “It’s hard to believe that every 30 seconds a person dies from Malaria and we have the ability to change that statistic with only $10. The month-long challenge will unite four MLS teams, who otherwise would only come in contact on the field, to raise money and awareness for a great cause!”
D.C. United has been challenged by the Chicago Fire, Seattle Sounders FC and the LA Galaxy to raise funds for the cause. The market that raises the most money will randomly select one donating fan to win a trip for two to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game in Salt Lake City in July. United is collecting on-line donations at www.mynothingbutnets.net/DCUnited
. In conjunction, the Screaming Eagles are accepting donations at their tailgate before tonight’s game, prior to next Saturday’s match against Houston and ahead of the United-Revolution game on April 17. Donations are also to be collected as Ben Olsen hosts Nothing But Nets Fundraising night, Wednesday, April 1 from 7-10 p.m. The event will be held at Garrets of Georgetown, 3003 M Street, NW, Washington, DC.
Malaria infects more than 500 million people a year and kills more than a million- one person dies about every 30 seconds. Malaria is particularly devastating in Africa, where it is a leading killer of children. Over 3,000 Sub-Saharan African children die each day from malaria.
Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.
Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
