Letter from the Director - March 2022

Dear Members,

I want to personally thank everyone for their efforts in this year’s Soccer-a-Thon. While we are still getting donations, it looks like we will once again raise over $75,000 through your hard work and commitment.

It has been said that the true measure of a person is found by watching what they do for others, and I feel lucky to be associated with so many tremendous people here at Orlando City Seminole.

You matter. You make a difference. Your great generosity has had a profound and lasting impact on our families in our club and community. Your willingness to share both your time and your talent by volunteering with Orlando City Soccer school Seminole says a lot about each of you as human beings. Your willingness to give selflessly to help others speaks to both your strength and the quality of your character. Believe it or not, at some organizations there are some people who only help a cause when it helps them, or they see personal benefit. The number of people who have recently come forward to secure donations, volunteer their time, or just offer to help has been enlightening.

 

When you volunteer, you are making a commitment to share that most precious of resources – your time – to make life better for those who are in need or for the good of the group; never knowing if you’ll see any personal benefit.  The fruits of your labors make a tangible impact, of course, but perhaps it is the fact that you are willing to share your time and talent to lend a helping hand and to show kindness and caring that makes the greatest difference in the lives of the individuals who are touched by your generosity.

 

While I know that you choose to volunteer selflessly and without expectation of being recognized or rewarded, today I wish to do just that. I want to let you know just how much your dedication is appreciated and to make sure that everyone at Orlando City Soccer School Seminole is forever grateful to each of you. Whether you are a long-time volunteer or if you got involved recently, or just helped raise money, and regardless of how many hours you choose to give, it’s important for you to know that what you do makes a difference.

 

Words cannot adequately express the gratitude that I, and the board and staff of Orlando City Soccer School Seminole, wish to convey. Please know that your volunteerism is recognized, appreciated, valued, and cherished. We thank you and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future. Thanks to all of you who helped, donated, and brought your kids to the event. Special thanks to all the preparation that went into the event by Meg Bonos and her organizers, Tanya Neidert, Debbie Neal, Theresa Allen, Katherine Wu, Kim Unger and Andrea Peters as well as the rest of our marketing committee who helped get the word out, Eric McGee, Jeff Pugh, and Chris McKendry.

 

Of course, the important part is the funds go toward lighting the fields, which is a key part of the first phase of our improvements at Seminole Soccer Complex. To date we have raised over $145,000 in one and a half short years since I came, and we truly launched our first fundraising efforts. We have set this money aside in a separate account while we strive to get to the point where we can contract the work. That goal is very much in sight. Our goal is to have two more fields lit by winter of 2023 at a cost of around $500,000.  We are not finished with our efforts, but the first step of adding two more lit fields is close, and I am hoping each of you will continue to help us find donors and potential sponsors so we can limit our need to use auxiliary fields during the winter months.

 

The power of giving is in the difference it makes, not what you receive in return or weather you would have a better way. So many of you have given selflessly

 

Thank you.