Soccer in the Streets Board Member, Janine Willis
On Sunday, October. 17th, Soccer in the Streets held its annual Black Tie Soccer Game 2021. Soccer in the Streets’ end of the year gala hosted family and friends. Instead of the standard banquet dinner, the participants dressed in Boots, Bow Ties, and Ballgowns - The Black Tie Soccer Game was a soccer game like no other.
Behind the slapstick and fun nature of the Black Tie Soccer Game is the most important and more competitive aspect of this tournament: raising funds to bring soccer to lower-income communities while leveling the playing field for children regardless of socioeconomic status. The tournament helps Soccer in the Streets provide sustainable free youth soccer programs that cultivate change, provide, education and empower youth.
This year, the Black Tie Event raised over $113,000 for Soccer in the Streets. The Top Fundraising Team on event day was the Black Team with $35,790. And the Top Individual Fundraiser, Soccer in the Streets Board Member, Brian O’Neill with $17,396.
“Winning the award to me only means that I helped our kids as much as possible, '' said, Brian O’Neill. “This only happens due to the generous support of friends and family, so it really is not about me at all. We have an incredible mission, and a wonderful team working hard to execute on that mission, and I’m just happy to be able to provide any assistance that I can.
Best Dressed Awards, Diane Hansen and Ben Mckenzie
Also announced were the winners of the Men’s Best Dressed and Women’s Best Dressed, given to Ben McKenzie and Diane Hansen respectively.
As an organization, we are thankful for all the support so our youth players can continue to play the beautiful game. Leading the event, Community Engagement Manager, Erik Nelson stated, “It is sometimes difficult to string together the right combination of words to express just how appreciative I am of the wonderful people that were involved with this year’s Black Tie Soccer Game.”
He also stated- "Each and every player put their all into the fundraising campaign, marching right past our $100,000 goal, and, on top of that, they showed up dressed in their Sunday’s Best with proper, slapstick spirits! Thank you to everyone who was a part of this impactful and memorable event!”
