The Sounders FC is teaming up with NothingButNets.net to raise money for bed nets to fight malaria in Africa.
RENTON, Wash. - The Seattle Sounders FC will launch a Bed Net fundraising campaign by inviting fans to make a donation at Saturday’s Sounders FC match at the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. Fans can contribute at ticket gates, the Pro Shop at Qwest Field or through soundersfc.com/nothingbutnets.
Donations go directly toward the purchase, distribution and education about the proper use of a bed net, which can prevent malaria. The month-long campaign will culminate on World Malaria Day on April 25, 2009.
“Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria,” said Sounders FC majority owner Joe Roth. “The Nothing But Nets drive provides our organization an opportunity to build awareness and raise money for a preventable disease that impacts our world. We challenge our fans and supporters to join us in the campaign.”
Fans that make a donation during the campaign are automatically entered into a drawing to win a trip for two to the 2009 MLS All-Star Game in Salt Lake City in July.
Malaria infects more than 500 million people a year and kills more than a million — one person dies about every 30 seconds. Malaria is particularly devastating in Africa, where it is a leading killer of children. Over 3,000 Sub-Saharan African children die each day from malaria.
Saturday, March 28
Sounders FC vs. Real Salt Lake at the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Monday, March 30 | 2-3:10 p.m.
Nothing But Nets Workshop and meet/greet with Sounders FC player Sanna Nyassi
Cherry Crest Elementary School
12400 NE 32nd Street, Bellevue, WA
Wednesday, April 1 | 2:00 p.m.
Nothing But Nets Fundraising Rally at Westlake Park
401 Pine Street, Seattle, WA
Join Sounders FC Head Coach Sigi Schmid and midfielder Sanna Nyassi at Westlake Park. Fans will have a chance to take a free kick against a Sanna, in exchange for a small donation.
Saturday, April 25 | World Malaria Day
Sounders FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes at the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field
Gates open at 6 p.m.
Click here to watch a message from Sanna Nyassi and to donate now.
About Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of
children in Africa. Inspired by sports columnist Rick Reilly, tens of thousands of people have joined the
campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in May 2006. Founding campaign partners
include the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, the People of The United Methodist Church, and
Sports Illustrated. It only costs $10 to provide a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net that can prevent this
deadly disease. Visit www.NothingButNets.net to send a net and save a life.
About MLS W.O.R.K.S.
MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important
social issues affecting young people. MLS W.O.R.K.S. serves as a platform for both league and team
philanthropic programs. Specific areas of focus include health and wellness, education, respect, fair play,
leadership, human rights and diversity with an emphasis on programs and initiatives directed at school-aged
children. For more information visit http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/programs/mls_works.
