Black Tie Soccer Game 2019 Raises $115,000 for Soccer in the Streets
Yves Ahishakiye wins the Napolitano Award and
Sarah Paxton wins the Community Volunteer of the Year Award
On Sunday, Sept. 8th, Soccer in the Streets held its annual Black Tie Soccer Game 2019. Soccer in the Streets’ end of year gala hosted family and friends. Instead of the standard banquet dinner, the participants dressed up and play soccer to raise money in support of social impact soccer initiatives benefiting thousands of underserved children in the metro Atlanta area. This year, the Black Tie Event raised $115,000 for Soccer in the Streets. The top fundraising team was the Black Team with $51,000. Also announced were the winners of the Community Volunteer of the Year Award and Napolitano Award, given to Sarah Paxton and Clarkston FC U15 boys captain Yves Ahishakiye, respectively.
“The Black Tie Soccer Game is a unique event for the organization that brings out the best in our many supporters who believe in our mission,” said Phil Hill, Soccer in the Streets executive director. “ Through their efforts, we’re able to continue to fund and grow our programs as all of the money go back into the many communities we serve throughout Atlanta.”
All proceeds support Soccer in the Streets' free youth programs in 26 locations across metro Atlanta - including 13 elementary schools, 10 community programs, and Leadership program execution - providing social impact by using soccer as a medium to build young leaders who live rich lives and cultivate healthy communities. Soccer in the Streets impacts over 5,000 kids each year and launched the first Homeless Soccer Program in the metro Atlanta area. The organization centers its holistic programs on leadership, service, and enrichment.
The Community Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to someone that has had a positive impact on the organization and shows his or her ability to be a leader both on and off the field. This year’s winner - Sarah Paxton - has been a member of the Atlanta community and volunteer for the organization. She helps out with various needs at our fundraising events and soccer youth program jamborees.
“Sarah has been an outstanding volunteer for the organization,” said Tony Carter, Soccer in the Streets director of programs. “We can always count on her to show up to events and help out wherever needed.”
The Napolitano Award, now in its sixth year, is presented to someone who embodies leadership, service, and enrichment around the beautiful game. This year‘s award was presented to Yves Ahishakiye. Ahishakiye has shown discipline and leadership to his fellow teammates and is the captain of his team.
“Yves is the perfect recipient for the Napolitano Award not because of his on the field play but his character,” said Clarkston FC Program Manager Toussaint McClure. “ Similar to Nick, Yves is hardworking, disciplined, and very determined.”
