***Lions Press Release***
Orlando, Fla. – Orlando City SC, alongside the Orlando City Foundation and Orlando City Goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo, announced Thursday a $4,346 donation to Children’s Home Society of Florida. The Foundation and Gallardo were instrumental in raising the funds for the non-profit, which works to break the cycle of child abuse in more families in Central Florida and throughout the state.
The primary event was the Pinz 4 Kidz charity bowling tournament held in December of 2013 at Colonial Lanes in Orlando, Fla. Led by Gallardo, more than 15 teams participated in the inaugural outing, with all the profits going toward Children’s Home Society of Florida.
“Miguel wanted to help raise much-needed funds for Children’s Home Society of Florida,” said Orlando City Foundation Chair Kay Rawlins. “This was a fun event involving fans, players, staff and sponsors – it was great to see such a good turnout “
The Orlando City Foundation has been extremely active in the community, including a recent $10,000 donation to the New Image Youth Center and backing of local non-profits for 2014.
“We are so excited to have Orlando City Soccer join us in our efforts to end child abuse,” said Tara Hormell, Executive Director for the Central Florida Division of Children’s Home Society of Florida. “I have been very impressed with the organization and its players who have been very active in the community in the relatively short time they have been in the Orlando area. “
For more information on the Orlando City Foundation, please visit OrlandoCitySC.com.
About Orlando City Soccer Club:
Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. The club will begin play in MLS in 2015, becoming the league’s 21st club. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com andwww.OrlandoCityYouth.org.
About Children's Home Society of Florida
On the front lines since 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families. Children’s Home Society of Florida offers services that help break the cycles of abuse in more families, heal the pain for traumatized children, guide teens to successfully transition into adulthood and create strong, loving families through adoption. Children’s Home Society of Florida serves approximately 100,000 children and families throughout the state each year. For more information, visit www.chsfl.org.