A Grateful Fund-Raising Update

IMG_3714.jpg

In the past six weeks, Chester Upland Youth Soccer has been the grateful recipient of nearly $35,000 in grants and individual donations, and is in the process of spending it to benefit the families of greater Chester.

Among the generous are:

  • The Foundation for Delaware County and the Delaware County Council, who thoughtfully designated funding for a first-of-its-kind pandemic relief program for nonprofit organizations

  • DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, working to help provide one million kids with access to youth sports by 2024.

  • CCRES, a local organization that provides educational and behavioral health services as well as grants for a variety of organizations including those who provide services to at-risk youth

CUYS is using the funds to support soccer training by Zoom and other at-home engagement for Chester area children and their families.

Every child registered for CUYS has been invited to pick up a free soccer ball, pump, soccer journal, art supplies and groceries supplied by Pastor Chuck Kieffer’s organization, Lifewerks. Additionally, children can earn participation prizes including soccer jerseys and other athletic apparel, toys, books, additional groceries and, in October, a mini pumpkin!

Anticipating higher expenses when live programming can resume, CUYS is holding a fundraising Zoom dance party on November 6th featuring one of Chester's greatest musicians, Bryan Parr. All are welcome to enjoy the music and the smiling faces of the dancing kids.  Donations of any size will be gratefully accepted. A donation of $80+ provides the opportunity to win great donor appreciation prizes generously provided by the Philadelphia Union, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Wawa, the Phillies, and other friends of CUYS.

Chester Upland Youth Soccer uses soccer as a channel to teach healthy living habits and provide mentorship for nearly 500 at-risk students within the Chester, Upland and Eddystone communities. Employing the US Soccer Foundation's Soccer for Success curriculum, the organization’s trained, caring coach-mentors help children and enjoy and embrace an active, healthy lifestyle.

Jeannine Anckaitis