FOXBOROUGH, Mass. and NATICK, Mass. – The New England Revolution of Major League Soccer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Massachusetts Chapter have partnered for a year-long campaign through the end of 2012.
The Revs will help fundraise on the organization’s behalf and will showcase and support three of LLS’ campaigns throughout the season: Pennies for Patients, Team In Training and Light The Night.
“We’re pleased to work with LLS this year,” Revolution President Brian Bilello said. “We have incredibly compassionate fans, many of whom have been touched by blood cancer in their lives. We hope to be able to raise awareness about LLS’ work and blood cancers while utilizing the collective power of our fan base to help fundraise on LLS’ behalf.”
The organizations will kick off the partnership publicly on Saturday, June 16, when the Revs host LLS Night at Gillette Stadium when the team faces the Columbus Crew.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with the New England Revolution,” Sharon Klein, Executive Director of LLS Massachusetts Chapter, said. “Our joint efforts will create awareness about blood cancers and the services we provide, while raising much needed funds for research and patient quality of life.”
LLS’ Pennies for Patients campaign will be highlighted, with Massachusetts’ top fundraising schools being honored at the game. Collection containers will also be set up at each stadium entrance for fans to donate their spare change before entering the game. LLS will also have informational stations set up throughout the stadium, with additional opportunities to bid on auction items and win drawing prizes while supporting LLS.
Revolution fans can support LLS’ mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families by purchasing a special promotional ticket online or by calling (508) 384-9266. The Revolution will donate to LLS $10 from every ticket purchased through the one-night-only promotion when purchased through the special website or phone number.
The partnership will continue into the summer as several Revolution wives and front office members – and Revolution fans – will join Team In Training for the New England Spartan Sprint Race on August 12 in Amesbury, Mass. The team will fundraise on behalf of LLS while training for the event with a certified coach. This is the first year Team In Training will participate in the three-mile obstacle series as its official charity.
Fans who are interested in running the New England Spartan Sprint Race as a member of the Revolution’s team are encouraged to join and can obtain more information by emailing nercf@revolutionsoccer.net. Each member will be required to fundraise at least $750 to participate, with all funds going directly to LLS. Race members of the Revolution team will be recognized at the Revs’ game against the Montreal Impact at 7 p.m. on August 12, and will be hosted in a suite for the match.
Finally, members of the Revolution will support LLS’ Light the Night Boston walk on Boston Common on Thursday, Oct. 11, as walkers take over the Common and walk with illuminated balloons - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer – to show support and raise awareness about blood cancers. More information about how to get involved and support can be found at lightthenight.org/ma.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s family-friendly evening at the New England Revolution game on June 16 is one of the ways to help blood cancer patients and their families. Click here to learn more about the event, or to learn about other LLS fundraising programs, visit www.lls.org.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.lls.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
