Special thanks to Estevan Studio and Yoli for all of our event photos!
On Friday, January 24, 2020, Home Field Advantage (HFA) held their first annual “New Year’s Fundraiser” at Stay Gallery in Downey, CA. Over 75 generous community leaders, families, and friends were on hand for a night where we raised over $4,000 for HFA programming in 2020. In an effort in bringing the community together, here are highlights from our inaugural new year’s fundraiser!
A WARM WELCOME TO BEGIN THE NIGHT
We started the evening with delicious food and beverages from Porto’s Bakery. As guests arrived, they were greeted at the check in booth and were photographed at our step and repeat while socializing and meeting community members/leaders.
Without a doubt, the highlight to begin the night was the live screen printing provided by Ink Head Design & Prints, a family (born and raised in Downey) owned and operated full service design & print studio. Every guest who attended the event received a beautifully designed HFA T-Shirt, and got to observe how live printing works. Special thank you to Danny and Jeanette!
GETTING THE EVENT STARTED WITH JASON BARQUERO, EMCEE OF THE NIGHT
After socializing and networking for the first 45 minutes of the night, while enjoying delicious empanadas, it was time to get the event started. Jason Barquero kicked things off by welcoming everyone to a special night and outlining the agenda.
A little about Jason: Jason is the Public Address Announcer for the South Bay Lakers (NBA G-League Affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers), a Board Member of the Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities (DFEO), and is the Executive Director of Career Services for Otis College of Art & Design.
HFA 2020 VISION, PRESENTED BY HFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILLIAM AQUIJE
A key part of the night was a presentation by William Aquije, who informed the audience on several topics including: steps the organization has taken in the past few years, DFEO partnership, where do we stand today, and what lies ahead for 2020.
With several guests learning about HFA for the first time, the presentation also included an overview on who we are, what we do, and why we do it. It was important to tell our story from launching our very first soccer program at one school in Spring of 2017 to where we are today: 12 soccer schools, 7 basketball schools, 300+ kids!
HFA VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
With HFA being a sports leadership program and our volunteer coaches playing a big part in our organization, we started a yearly tradition in awarding two volunteers for their exceptional work. This year, HFA Volunteer of the Year recipients, presented by HFA Fundraiser Manager Fernando Saavedra, were awarded to Cynthia Robledo and Zebas van der Most van Spijk.
Both Cynthia and Zebas were recognized for their commitment, hard work, time, support, dedication, and outstanding coaching performance. In addition, each one received a $50 Nike gift card.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT - PANEL DISCUSSION
The night continued with the main feature of the event: panel discussion led by Jason. Our three panelists on the night were: Gonzalo Salguero (HFA Soccer Coaching Director), Allison Box (Principal - Lewis Elementary School), and Sacha van der Most van Spijk (HFA Founder & President).
Gonzalo and Allison joined our founder Sacha on stage for a Q&A session about their background in sports, how they got involved with HFA, and the importance of having quality after school sports programs available for all kids. The crowd also got the opportunity to ask questions. Overall, a discussion filled with good laughs, stories, and educational key notes.
RAFFLE PRIZE WINNERS
The fun didn’t stop there. There were 4 prizes given on the night! Prizes included: 1 HFA backpack with a Senda Athletics Rio Futsal Ball and HFA coffee mug, 1 HFA backpack with a Senda Athletics Street Soccer Ball and HFA coffee mug, 1 LA Galaxy Goodie Bag with 4 tickets to a LA Galaxy Game, and a LA Galaxy Jersey.
We want to give a special thanks to Senda Athletics and the LA Galaxy for donating amazing prizes!
SPECIAL GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE - LA GALAXY PLAYERS
A big thank you to LA Galaxy Academy Players Mauricio Cuevas, Anthony Ramos, and Abraham Romero for their contribution and for attending the event. Mauricio and Abraham are both also members of the LA Galaxy II team.
Although Julian Araujo was unable to attend the event due to his well earned call-up to the U.S. National Team Training Camp in Florida, he supported our event by making a generous donation with his agent Henry Codron. Big thanks to all!
FUNDRAISE FOR A GREAT CAUSE
The donations from ticket sales, sponsors, and merchandise that we collected from our New Year’s Fundraiser Event will provide the great majority of funding to continue carrying out our mission in 2020 and beyond. We will continue to do our best in providing high quality after school sports programs and ensure that all kids have an opportunity to play!
These funds will help us reach more schools and kids, while also providing more opportunities for growth to our current and future volunteer coaches.
THE BUZZ AROUND THE NIGHT
“We got to meet two professional soccer players from the LA Galaxy, and got their autographs! We were surprised with a super cool t-shirt that was made right in front of us by Ink Head! The best part of the night was seeing the support and love for the program. Since i’m a single, full-time working mom, this program has given my son Jaden an opportunity to be involved in both basketball and soccer, which is something healthy and productive for him. Since the practices are so convenient and immediately after school, I can still work while he is involved in extracurricular activities. I truly appreciate everything HFA offers and I got a cool mug to help support! :)”
“As a former public high school teacher and city mayor, I find it especially rewarding to help organizations that help our youth. After school and after sports, there are still significant needs and opportunities for our youth to grow. After school programing, like those provided by HFA, is a perfect path for that needed growth.”
“HFA organized their first annual New Year’s Fundraiser in an effort to bring the community together and inform the audience about the steps our organization has taken in the past few years, as well as providing our vision for 2020. With the help of a group of local sponsors, we were able to host a wonderful evening at Stay Gallery. We were happy with the outcome of the event, as we received very positive feedback and good questions from the audience, which consisted of parents, participants, program directors, volunteer coaches, teachers, principals, school district board members, city council members, sponsors, and professional soccer players.”
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
We would like to thank our sponsors for their donation of products, services, and funds to support our fundraiser event. We couldn’t do what we do without your help!
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Whether you were able to attend this year’s fundraiser event or not, we would love your help and support! If you’re interested in getting involved and supporting, click the buttons below!