We give to charity

This season, we're kicking off our charity program. Captains of the Goleros have spent so much time collecting money from players, we decided that we could use that process to support worthy charitable causes on behalf of the team. Over time, we hope to raise hundreds maybe even thousands of dollars for good causes. Each season, we'll ask for a small optional contribution on top of dues. Whatever we receive will be periodically sent to charity in its entirety. Again, your participation is optional.

We've chosen United for DC as the charity. United for DC is the charity arm of the DC United. It supports DC-area children's programs and soccer-related causes such as DC Kicks for Kids. Donating to United for DC will create a relationship between our team and the DC United, as well as give something back to a sport and a region that we enjoy. We only wish there were a good way to give to funds that would create more open space or facilities for rec soccer. If you have ideas about that, let us know.

So, get ready to kick in a few extra bucks this season. The announcement about dues is coming soon.

Marathon For Charity

Hey Goleros Team!

Many of you may know my wife Kira. She makes it to games a couple of times a year, usually with our daughter Sofia, although sometimes I get to just bring Sofia on her own. What you may not know is that she's an accomplished runner (much like some of the players on this team) and has completed 5 marathons over the last couple of years. Well, this year, she's going for the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday.

Oddly enough, the Marine Corps Marathon has been an especially difficult hurdle to clear. The first time she registered for it, she got pregnant (well, I guess that was my fault). The second time, she had a freak accident at work and broke her kneecap a couple of months before the race. Well, the third time is the charm and it looks like she is ready to run and complete her 6th marathon.

Since she has run more than a few marathons, she decided that this year, it would be a great idea to run for a charity. We are close friends with a family (one of Sofia's best friends) who has a autistic child named JP. As we've gotten to know them, we've seen how autism has impacted their family and how complex and complicated this disease
really is. JP is a cute little kid (I've enclosed his picture) and so Kira decided that it would
be best to run for an autism charity, in this case, the Organization
for Autism Research.

She's got a web page here: http://www.firstgiving.com/kiravanderlan where you can make a donation. This is the last week before the race,
so consider making a donation of $100, $50, or $26.2 to support this
cause.

Thanks for taking the time to consider Kira's race.
She's amazing. In her training, she had to do a 20 mile run. To make
it more interesting for herself, she entered another marathon in
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, with the plan of cutting out around the
18-20 mile mark. Well, she missed the cut-off point and because it was
an out-and-back type course ended up running the entire marathon. So
any donation you make is a 2-for-1 deal, since Kira will have polished
off two marathon distances in less than a month!!! Yes, she's amazing, and I am one lucky dude.

See you all this weekend and thanks for taking the time to consider this great charity.

- Jeremy

Spring 2008 dues

Time to pay up folks!

Dues are as follows:

$85.00 Player fees

$15.00 Optional donation to team-designated charity

Total: $100 w/ charity or $85 w/out

Please pay immediately via paypal (to pdi.usa@gmail.com). I will also accept cash or check at the field. If you go that route, please bring to the first game.

Let me give some further details for those who want them. First, the team's books are always open to those with a google account. I continually run a deficit paid out of my own pocket, but as long as it's reasonable, I don't mind, it's worth it to me. For instance, two players flaked for our indoor season and my personal dues were about $300, versus $70 for the other players. It happens.

Second, dues are almost $10 cheaper this season versus last (they were $93) - we hit our target. We are in good position in terms of the number of players on the team, which is the key.

Third, this charity program is really working out. Read about it here if you're new. We're averaging about a 50% contribution rate among players. I'd like to up that so we can keep the money rolling into United for DC.

Thanks everyone!

Budget not affected by global financial crisis

Don't worry, team finances are in good shape, despite the global financial crisis. Here is a budget report.

Almost everyone is paid up for the fall season. Dues were $1650 plus a $25 overage fee since we decided to retain a little known alternate by the name of Carlos. I'm not trying to say he's little. Unlike last year, when our roster could swell to 30, we're only allowed 25 players. We have 23 full time players, which is one of the largest teams we've ever had - thus, the lower dues. We shouldn't have a problem fielding a team week-to-week.

Do you have an opinion on dues - do we get our money's worth from the league?

People really stepped up for the charity program this season - about 65% of the team participated! I am thrilled with that; it beats expectations. We had always aimed for 50% and gotten about 33-40%. Shortly, we'll be sending a check for about $400 to United for DC. I'll do another post on it. Really cool.

Is everyone happy with our choice of United for DC as the charity recipient?

Charitable contribution made on behalf of team

We closed the books on our charity drive and sent the following letter to United for DC on behalf of the team:

June 3, 2009

Ms. Sara Peterson
Program Manager
United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Sara,

On behalf of the Goleros Soccer Club, we are pleased to present United for DC with a modest contribution in the amount of $150.00. We are big supporters of your organization and enthusiastic fans of the DC United.

The Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team that plays in the District (http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com). Founded in 2000, we play our games on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). Our team nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children. Since we began raising money for this effort, we have contributed a total of $1030.00.

It’s always a pleasure to work with you. Best wishes in implementing your programs and activities this year.

Sincerely,



Peter & Allison
Captains

cc: Zach Walker, Caithlin Gorman

Personally, I want to thank people for giving in this difficult time. Money is tight right now for everyone. Contributions were down significantly this season but hopefully, we can bring them back up next season. We will probably do a little re-evaluation of the program as well. Anyway, this is yet another reason why we are an awesome team!

Bad news: I need your money

It's time to pay up. As previously reported here, they are on the high side. Unfortunately, we have to pass on the increased fees charged by the league plus try to offset the fact that we had a smaller roster when we started the season. Let me repeat that the team's finances are open to everyone, 'cause I know you work hard for your money.

We're going to keep the charity program rolling as well. Let's try to beat the $180 mark that we set last season. It's just a few extra bucks. Remember, the donation is optional. For newbies, you can read about our charity program here.

Without further ado...

Dues $92
Donation $13

TOTAL $105

Please send the money within 1 week. I will send payment instructions by email.

Spring dues

Playing on premium fields ain't free. Please send in your Spring dues by March 23rd. We prefer paypal, but will accept personal checks. Instructions to follow by email.

Dues are a little higher than normal to account for the team's sweet jerseys. (Don't think that this extra amount comes even close to covering their cost). Nevertheless, we encourage you to squeeze in a few extra bucks for our new charity program. If everyone donates, we can reach a couple of hundred dollars in our first effort.

$90 dues

$9.00 optional donation to Goleros charity program (all proceeds go to United for DC).

$99 total

Just pay it and get ready for a great season!

Thanks for your contributions

Tomorrow, we are submitting the following letter to United for DC on behalf of the team. We made a $180.00 contribution, which included a pledged 100% match by your captains. We'll have a simple goal of exceeding this total next season. Thanks for your contributions. We had about a 60% participation rate on the team. Well done, everyone.

Goleros Soccer Club

2906 S. Buchanan St.
Arlington, VA 22206
http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com
golerosteam@gmail.com


May 22, 2007

United for D.C. c/o RFK Stadium 2400 East Capitol Street S.E.Washington, D.C. 20003

To Whom It May Concern:

On behalf of 20 recreational soccer players and fans of DC United, I would like to present a modest donation in the amount of $180.00. We are happy to support United for DC’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living among local children.

The Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team that plays in the Washington, D.C. area. We have been around for about six years, and we currently play in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). Earlier this year, we decided to create a charity program in which we would reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues for charitable purposes. We named United for DC as our sponsored charity. We hope to make periodic donations – hopefully in increased amounts – in the future.

Best of luck in your charitable activities.

Sincerely,



Peter XXXX & Megan XXXX
Captains

cc: Ryan Rich, Russell Cope

Thanks for your donations!

Thanks everyone, for your donations to our charity program. Today, I released $450 in funds to United for DC (see letter below). The funds were collected during both the spring and fall seasons in 2008.

We had a great participation rate in the fall - more than 65%, which exceeded our goal! Granted, United for DC could probably raise more money with one phone call to a larger donor, but $450 ain't nothing. Since 2007, we've now made $880 in contributions. Next time, we'll break the $1,000 mark, which will be a real accomplishment. What makes the program work is that I already have to collect money from the team - a few extra bucks here and there add up.

Thanks again!

Goleros Soccer Club

http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com
golerosteam AT gmail.com


September 29, 2008

Ms. Sara Peterson
Program Manager
United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Sara,

On behalf of 25 recreational soccer players and supporters of the DC United organization, we would like to present another modest contribution to United for DC – this one, in the amount of $450.00.

The Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team based in Washington, D.C. (http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com). Founded in 2000, we play on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). Our team nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children.

It continues to be a pleasure to work with you. Thank you for including us on various mail and email correspondence regarding upcoming events. We’re hoping to send a few representatives to the annual awards reception at the end of October; we will let you know.

Best regards,



Pete & Jackie
Captains

cc: Zach Walker, Caithlin Gorman

Message from DCU

We got this response from DC United and its charity arm, United for DC. Thanks again to everyone who contributed.

Peter and Megan,

I wanted to write and let you know that I received the check with your donation to United for D.C. Thank you so much for supporting United for D.C.'s efforts in the greater Washington D.C. community. With your contribution you will help to support our signature programs, Kicks for Kids, United Reads and the newest program, United Soccer Club, which provides after-school clinics for youth in the Ward 8 community.

I greatly appreciate your decision to support our charity. Please let me know if you are interested in receiving information about our fundraisers throughout the course of the year. We have our golf tournament set for Monday, June 18 and there will also be an end of the year team awards reception in October. I will be sending a contribution receipt shortly. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Thanks again,

Sara

Sara Rabe
Program Manager, United for D.C.
United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington D.C. 20003

Charity report

As of today, we have a 100% participation rate in our charity program.  That is awesome, let's keep it up! 

Budget report

Team finances are in decent shape, all things considered.  

For dues, we're running a deficit for the year.  We have a few delinquents out there - you'll get emails from me.  I'm not a bank, please remember that.  Most of the deficit comes from indoor, because two guys who signed up bolted before the first game.  We were actually running a surplus for a long time because the indoor league never bothered to charge me.  I had to remind them like three times.  They just did it in July; I was about to issue refunds.

For our charity program, which is off budget, we collected $125 in the Spring season.  Because it took a while to get everyone paid up I never disbursed the money.  I'll hold onto it until fall and send the whole jackpot to United for DC at once.  It's just as well, our spring total is a  little disappointing.  Previously, we raised more, with a 50% participation rate, despite higher dues.  This time around, less than a third of the team contributed.  Let's raise a nice sum this fall.  Pretty soon, we'll pass that $1,000 mark in total contributions over the year or so that we've been doing the charity program.

Fall dues were paid to the league this week.  That's the topic of a future post.

Red Card!

This clip appeared on the Daily Show last night, and was posted on Goff's blog this morning.  Very funny. You have to see it.  The President of Bolivia, Evo Morales, was playing in a charity match that got a little rough.  Watch him knee an opponent!  Very funny.  Can you imagine PresidentObama clotheslining some Republican Congressman in a basketball match?


http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-october-7-2010/intro---evo-morales-knees-soccer-opponent

Pledges are coming in

As you may have seen on email, our opponents this weekend are playing for a lot more than the win. One of their players, Andy, is engaged in a fight with cancer. LUC has decided to make this weekend's final matchup versus Goleros a charity event. They are asking players around the league to pledge $5 per goal scored by either team, with a maximum pledge of $20 (unless you want to pay more).

The Goleros are rising to this challenge.

Oure pledge sheet is growing. We have 6 pledges so far and more are expected.

Here is the email traffic on the matter, if you're interested:

Goleros -

I apologize for the many emails this week, but there's
lots of important stuff going on. I was just contacted by our
opponents this weekend and it turns out they are playing for a lot more than the
win. One of their founding members, Andy, is fighting cancer and will
play in the game. The team has organized a league-wide fundraiser in
his honor. Players are being asked to pledge $5 per goal scored
by either team in the Goleros-Little Urban Achievers championship game.
Pledges are limited to $20 (4 goals) unless you want to give
more.

I think it's important that we participate since, among
other things, we want to support Andy's recovery and re-introduction to soccer
and the Goleros are featuring in this event.

Please reply to your captains if you will join the Goleros pledge sheet. You can
specificy a precise donation if you prefer.

Here's to a 4-0 Goleros win and generous support for a great cause by both
teams.

Regards,

Pete & Ally


---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Tim
Date: Tue, Jun 22, 2010 at 5:03 PM

Subject: re: Soccer Game Question for this Sunday!

To: Goleros Soccer Club

Good afternoon Peter,

Congrats on your team’s success – my team looks forward to taking youon this coming Sunday at 1pm!Anyways – I wanted to run an idea past you to see if you and yourteammates may be interested in participating.This week is an important one for one of the founding members of oursoccer team – Andy. A year ago this time – he was diagnosed with a form of cancer that he was committed to beat. By late
summer oflast year, Andy was already on the mend, and so far, his recovery
hasbeen nothing short of extraordinary. In fact, he was able to get backon
the field with us for this spring season.In talking with folks – our team
decided we wanted to do somethingextra special for this weeks game to celebrate
Andy’s triumph in themost important fight of his life. We want to see if
we could convinceyou to sign up your teammates as well.For this weekend’s game,
we are asking each member of our team toconsider making a financial pledge to
the American Cancer Society.

Specifically, we are asking them to make a contribution pledge foreach goal that is scored in our championship match. Don’t worry – themaximum number of goals we told people that they will be on the hookfor is 4 – any goals beyond that won’t count towards their pledgeunless they want them too.

Personally – I have pledged to Andy that I will give $5 to ACS forevery goal scored and I hope that you and some of your teammates willconsider doing the same. We are reaching out to other captains andthe league to join in. Our hope is that we can collect enough $20 contributions (4 goals at $5 each) that we can make a contribution on Andy’s behalf to the American Cancer Society that we can all be proudof.Let me know what you think, if you have any questions and / or if youwant to participate in
this very important effort, and at what $level. If you and your teammates
are planning on donating, pleaseadvise them to bring cash or check with them to
the field on Sunday so that we can settle up right after the game.I really do
think this would be a fun way to add to our season finalethis Sunday. That
being said – if folks want to take a pass, I certainly understand, so don’t feel
like you have to participate – butI at least wanted to make you aware.

Thanks

Peter – if you want to call me about this idea, by all meansreach me at
XXXXXXX. I am looking forward to Sunday’s matchup!

Tim

Little Urban Achievers FC

Charitable donation made

I finally cut the check to United for DC. Sorry for holding the funds so long. I kind of lost track of time during the busy fall season.

Below is the text of the letter we are sending in today on behalf of the team.

Thanks to everyone for giving!

November 9, 2009

Ms. Kate Larned

United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Kate,

On behalf of the Goleros Soccer Club, we are pleased to present United for DC with another modest contribution, this one in the amount of $220.00. We are big supporters of your organization and enthusiastic fans of the DC United.

As you know, the Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team that plays in the District (http://www.golerosteam.blogspot.com). Founded in 2000, we play our games on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). Our team nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children. Since we began raising money for this effort, we have contributed a total of $1250.00.

It’s always a pleasure to work with you. Best wishes in implementing your programs and activities this year. At your convenience, please acknowledge this contribution with a receipt.

Sincerely,

Peter & Allison

Captains

cc: Zach Walker, Caithlin Gorman

Your official announcement on dues

This is your official announcement to pay dues. The deadline is game time on March 28th.

The bill comes to $80 per player. Don't forget about our charity program. Throw in your optional donation of $20.

Please use paypal to my personal address.

Email to follow.

Dues report

The deadline for fall dues is today (see prior post).  As of yesterday, my records reflected that only 7 people had paid.  Therefore, my blacklist is quite long.  Starting today, I reserve the right to publish it!

The charity program is working.  Most people have contributed.  Please do - it's an $18 optional add-on, and if necessary, you can give less than that.  I would like to get about $250 in contributions.  It would be modest, but it's beginning to add up season after season.

Contribution made to United for DC

Last week, we made our bi-annual contribution to United for DC, the DC United charitable foundation that has become our designated charity.

Kate Larned and the DC United staff were very appreciative as usual for our team's efforts.

We don't raise a lot of money, but it's adding up. We contributed $200 this season. I think that brings up to around $1500 over the last few years.

Deadline for dues is Sunday

Lots of people have paid me, which is great! At the same time, however, it appears as if several players will miss the deadline that was announced a month ago. See our payment policy here. If I don't have your money before Aug. 30th, you can't play until you've paid and your roster spot isn't secure (unless you've talked to me separately). I avoided this kind of approach for years, but last season things just didn't work. I got strung out for weeks and months by some players.

Please arrange for payment by Sunday. Use paypal (to my personal account) or send to my home address. I sent out emails with those instructions.

On the charity side, contributions are way up this season! We should have a healthy donation to United for DC. So please keep them coming.

Charitable program successful

The second go-round of our charitable program was successful! We set a team goal to exceed the $180 contribution we made in the spring. We managed to reach $250.00 this time, with some matching by your captains. We had a modest participation rate of 50%. If we can get that to 75% in the future, we're set. In any case, thanks everyone for giving. We're giving a little back and, in the meantime, establishing a good relationship with the DC United.

Here is the letter to United to DC from the team:

November 6, 2007

Ms. Sara Rabe
Program Manager
United for D.C.
c/o RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003

Dear Sara,

On behalf of 20 recreational soccer players and fans of DC United, I would like to present our second contribution to United for DC. Although it is a modest contribution of $250.00, it represents an increase over our contribution this past spring.

As you may know, the Goleros are an adult, co-ed, recreational soccer team based in Washington, D.C. Founded seven years ago, we play on Sundays in the Capital Coed Soccer League (CCSL – http://theccsl.com). We have nominated United for DC as a designated charity for which we reserve a portion of our bi-annual dues. We hope to continue making periodic donations to support your organization’s mission of promoting literacy and healthy living for local children.

On a personal note, thank you for email acknowledgment of our last contribution. I posted it on our blog, which I think helped generate some additional interest in contributing to the charitable program this year. In the future, please feel free to keep us apprised of your organization’s activities by email or snail mail. I hope that the annual charitable dinner was successful; next year, we hope to send some representatives.

Best regards,



Pete & Megan
Captains

cc: Zach Walker