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RAVE Foundation Raises Over $1 Million at Born in ’74 Gala and Announces New Commitment to Build 26 Additional Soccer Fields in Washington in Preparation for World Cup

Seattle Sounders FC

July 20, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Press Release Seattle Sounders FC

RENTON, WASH. – Sounders FC and its charitable partner, RAVE Foundation, celebrated their annual fundraising event, which raised more than $1 million in support of the club’s mission to build 26 mini-play fields in historically marginalized communities across Washington state by the end of 2026. RAVE’s Born in ’74 Gala, presented by Delta Air Lines, was held on Thursday, July 18 at the Providence Swedish Performance Center & Clubhouse in Renton, with more than 600 guests in attendance. During this year’s Gala, RAVE Foundation announced its intention to double the original goal of 26 mini-play fields to 52 total, with a target completion date in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.

The annual fundraising showcase included a live auction hosted by Sports Radio 93.3 KJR’s Dick Fain and former Sounders captain and current club brand ambassador Brad Evans. The event featured a performance by four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and mental health pioneer Jewel, who entertained attendees with her soulful music while sharing her personal stories about mental health advocacy, a cornerstone of RAVE. The recording artist auctioned off the guitars she played during her live performance, with proceeds benefiting the RAVE Foundation.

“When we set our goal of building 26 fields by 2026, we knew it was a bold move,” said Ashley Fosberg, Executive Director of the RAVE Foundation. “But thanks to the momentum and energy surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026™, we’re excited to announce that we will reach that goal earlier in just a few years, with 26 fields built in underserved communities by the end of 2024. But we don’t plan on stopping there. We’ve doubled our goal so more kids and families can benefit from bright, beautiful, free play spaces in their communities. As 2026 approaches, we hope these fields will be anchors for community gathering and connection through play – and points of pride for communities for years to come.”

Fosberg said the RAVE Foundation will open its 20th field next Tuesday, July 23, at Tiffany Park in Renton, with at least six more coming this fall.

Special guests this year included the owners of Sounders FC and Reign FC, Seattle business leaders, Sounders FC head coach Brian Schmetzer, Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey, members of both teams, representatives from the broader Seattle sports and entertainment community, and many others.

RAVE’s Born in ‘74 Gala featured exclusive items including a limited edition of 24 prints of Sounders FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei and a limited edition Sounders x Radster power bike. Additionally, guests had the opportunity to participate in multiple activities with Sounders FC and Reign FC players, bid on their favorite items in the silent and live auction, take stunning 360-degree photos, and more.

Outside of the facility to cap off an unforgettable evening, attendees had the chance to experience a one-of-a-kind drone show story created by Jewel, an immersive journey at the intersection of music, wellness, technology and art. Presented as a collaboration between the club and renowned recording artist, The Portal, it features a one-of-a-kind, 200-piece aerial drone show choreographed by Jewel and set to an original score by the artist.

Proceeds from the Gala will benefit RAVE’s 26 Fields by 2026 campaign, part of the club’s efforts to provide greater play equity for youth in Washington State through Defend the Right to Play, one of the four key principles of the club’s Social Justice Framework. This first goal is expected to be achieved by the end of 2024.

RAVE FOUNDATION’S NEW COMMITMENT TO BE CELEBRATED ON JULY 20

The RAVE Foundation’s new commitment to build 26 additional soccer pitches will be celebrated on Saturday, July 20, when the Rave Green hosts LAFC on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (7:30 p.m. PT/Apple TV, 93.3 KJR FM, SiriusXM FC, El Rey 1360 AM). To mark the commitment, Sounders FC and the RAVE Foundation will be joined by SeattleFWC26 Chief Legacy Officer Leo Flor to host 52 area youth for halftime, as the RAVE Foundation celebrates its partnership with the Seattle FIFA World Cup Local Organizing Committee to build grassroots soccer fields in Washington State as part of the FIFA World Cup Legacy Commitment.

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