Union Foundation online fundraiser raises nearly $50,000 for Fight for Philly campaign

Nearly $50,000 was raised last week for the Philadelphia Union Foundation’s Fight for Philly campaign thanks to a 90-minute online event and silent auction.

Fans joined the program last Tuesday and had a chance to hear from management and players via Zoom. About $35,000 was raised through the event and another $9,650 through a silent auction. 

Union Chairman and Majority Owner Jay Sugarman kicked off the event by thanking those in attendance and followed his greeting with a call to action. 

“Seize the moment. Researchers tell us that we make over 35,000 decisions a day… some are profound; those are the lasting decisions that change our lives and the lives of those around us,” he said. “And by supporting the Philadelphia Union Foundation, you are making a profound decision.”

Union PA Announcer Kevin Casey, serving as the emcee, filled time through interviewing members of the team, most notably Captain Alejandro Bedoya alongside Head Coach Jim Curtin. Casey also talked to members of the Union’s ownership and leadership teams, and introduced newest minority owner Kevin Durant to fans.

Durant spoke about his connection to the city of Chester and how he was drawn toward helping with community efforts in the Union’s hometown. 

“I’m looking forward to helping the vision that they have in place,” he said. “I’ve seen so many amazing plans for the future, especially for the younger generation, specifically in that Chester community. So being a part of that is what I’m looking forward to.”

Durant also donated several items to the auction, including two signed jerseys and a signed ball, which garnered $3,000 in total. 

With the first Union Foundation live campaign ending as a huge success and most likely more events coming in the future, Union fans can continue to expect their team to Fight for Philly.