FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution are going gold for the month of September to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Through the New England Revolution Charitable Foundation, the Revs are partnering with local non-profit, Binkeez for Comfort to help produce and deliver blankets to bring comfort to children in hospitals and hospices. The month will culminate with the club’s annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Match on Saturday, Sept. 26 when the Revs host the Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium. The month-long effort is part of a league-wide “Soccer Kicks Cancer” initiative lead by MLS WORKS, which aims to find a better cure for every child with cancer.
“We are excited to partner with the organizers and volunteers at Binkeez for Comfort during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,” New England Revolution President Brian Bilello said. “This month is about raising awareness for childhood cancer, but it is also about getting out there and making an impact in our community. I’m looking forward to seeing the entire Revs organization working hand-in-hand with Binkeez for Comfort to bring comfort to young cancer patients and their families.”
Based in Shrewsbury, Mass., Binkeez for Comfort donates hand-made hypoallergenic blankets and other items with the intention of bringing comfort to children in hospitals and hospice facilities. The Revolution Charitable Foundation has been working closely with the local non-profit on a special Revolution-themed blanket that players will deliver to young patients during visits to area hospitals throughout September.
In addition to helping produce and deliver blankets with Binkeez for Comfort, the Revs’ will spotlight Childhood Cancer Awareness with activations throughout the month:
- Wednesday, Sept. 2 – The Revs kicked off the week by welcoming young cancer patients and their immediate families to Gillette Stadium to watch the final portion of the Revs’ training before taking part in a meet and greet with players.
- Thursday, Sept. 10 – Revolution players will spend an afternoon with a group of Boston Children’s Hospital patients who will help the players paint a portion of the supporters’ tifo that will debut during the Childhood Cancer Awareness Match on Sept. 26. This will be the first of several visits throughout the month and the debut of the Binkeez for Comfort blankets.
- Tuesday, Sept. 22 – Revolution players will visit with patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and deliver the specially made Revolution blankets.
- Wednesday, Sept. 23 – Teal Bunbury, Andrew Farrell, Kelyn Rowe and Bobby Shuttleworth will serve up drinks at Murphy’s Law in Pawtucket, RI. All tips – cash or credit – from the celebrity bartending fundraiser will benefit Binkeez for Comfort.
- Saturday, Sept. 26 – The Revolution will host the Philadelphia Union in their annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Match, which will spotlight childhood cancer with gold in-game activations as well as help raise funds for Binkeez for Comfort.
On and off the field, the Revs will show support for the month-long initiative by going gold– the international symbol for Childhood Cancer Awareness. Player’s primary and secondary jerseys will feature commemorative “Soccer Kicks Cancer” patches while on-field at Gillette Stadium the goal nets and corner flags will be gold. The Revolution’s official twitter account (@NERevolution) and the Revolution Charitable Foundation twitter account (@WeAreNewEngland) will feature gold logos and fans are encouraged to show support and do the same. Additionally, fans can find exclusive, game-worn autographed memorabilia at auctions.revolutionsoccer.net with all proceeds benefitting Binkeez for Comfort and exclusive, “Soccer Kicks Cancer” apparel will be available on MLSstore.com starting Sept. 7. Proceeds from “Soccer Kicks Cancer” apparel will benefit MLS WORKS’ national partner, Children's Oncology Group.
