The San Jose Earthquakes have enjoyed an eventful and record-breaking year on the philanthropic front, and it was highlighted the night of Thursday, Nov. 3, when they received the 2016 Community Impact Award along with Cityteam Ministries from the Silicon Valley Business Journal.
Community Impact Awards are given to business people or companies who have made exceptional philanthropic contributions including their work in the fields of education, health care or arts and culture.
The Quakes and Cityteam received the award for their contributions during Thanksgiving 2015, when they distributed meals to 3,000 families in the Bay Area at an event held at Avaya Stadium.
This year, the Quakes aim to serve 2,000 more families than 2015 as they team up again with Cityteam on Tuesday, Nov. 22 to serve food to families from the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County.
This is just one of the many highlights from the 2016 season, as the Quakes’ community initiatives have surpassed expectations on many levels.
Wine & Dine
This year’s Wine & Dine fundraising event raised a club record of $115,000 for the Earthquakes Community Fund, which benefits programs such as Get Earthquakes Fit presented by Sutter Health, U.S. Soccer Foundation's Soccer for Success, Kicks for Kids, which provides tickets to under-privileged families, and the mini-pitch initiative.
This year the Quakes unveiled a mini-pitch at Ocala Middle School in conjunction with MLS WORKS, adidas, Southern New Hampshire University and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, giving children a safe place to play soccer. The Quakes aim to install 20 more mini pitches in the Bay Area in the next five years.
Get EQ Fit
The Get Earthquakes Fit program also enjoyed its most successful season to date, much due to the support from Sutter Health. This year, the Earthquakes have initiated Get EQ Fit programs in 40 local schools, surpassing the number from previous years and quadrupling 2015’s 10.
Get EQ Fit invites students to step up their physical activity in the classroom and at home through a fun, five-week program. Teachers kick off each week with a new video featuring Earthquakes players showing students new games and providing healthy tips. Earthquakes players attend the closing ceremony of each program to give students special recognition for their accomplishments in achieving a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Every Save Makes a Difference
The Quakes raised more money than any other MLS team with the Every Save Makes a Different program, presented by MLS WORKS, Univision Deportes and Allstate. For every save made by the Quakes during a match televised on Univision’s Viernes de Fútbol, $500 worth of soccer equipment was donated to the Quakes to be then given to a local community organization serving the Hispanic community.
David Bingham made a total of 106 saves this season, 30 of which occurred during a Viernes de Futbol. In total, the Quakes raised $15,000 from the Every Save Makes a Difference that will benefit Unity Care, East Palo Alto Charter School and East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy.
Winterfest
Although the 2016 season has come to an end, the holidays are approaching and the Quakes will continue to share the festivities with the local community. On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Quakes will host the first ever Winterfest at Avaya Stadium starting at noon, featuring 10 tons of snow in the 7UP Epicenter. The two-acre 7UP Epicenter will be transformed into a winter wonderland with numerous activities, including a giant inflatable snow globe and snowman bounce house.
Ahead of and during Winterfest, the Earthquakes will be hosting a toy drive benefitting Sacred Heart Community Services, Uplift Family Services, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, Bill Wilson Center and Shop with a Cop Silicon Valley. All toys donated to the Quakes in advance of Winterfest will be given to underprivileged youth at an exclusive window of entry from 10 a.m. to noon.
General admission to Winterfest is free, although new and gently used toys or canned goods are a suggested donation upon entry. Ticketed activities at the festival will benefit the Earthquakes Community Fund.
To learn more about the Earthquakes community initiatives, visit the newly revamped community page.
