Nicole Vernis, Grace Cutler and Fort Lauderdale United FC General Manager Aly Hassan represented the club at the Jason Taylor Foundation’s 21st annual “Cool Gear for the School Year” event Monday, Sept. 7. The back-to-school shopping event benefited children from Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Sixty boys and girls each received a $300 shopping opportunity at Old Navy to purchase new clothes for the school year. Each student was paired with a celebrity or community guest who helped with shopping and selecting school gear during the event.
Fort Lauderdale United FC representatives participate
Seth Levit, executive director of the Jason Taylor Foundation, said the organization was pleased to have Fort Lauderdale United FC participate. He said the club’s players helped make the experience more special by spending time with the children and embracing the event’s spirit of giving back.
“We were thrilled to have Fort Lauderdale United FC join us for this year’s Cool Gear for the School Year,” Levit said. “Our goal with this event has always been to create a memorable experience for these young people, and having organizations like Fort Lauderdale United and their players step up, spend time with the kids and embrace the spirit of giving back makes the day even more special.”
Cutler, a Fort Lauderdale United FC midfielder, said the club’s involvement extended beyond its work on the field. “Being part of this club means more than what we do on the field,” Cutler said. “There is a real passion within our team for being part of this community and finding meaningful ways to give back. Spending time with these kids and helping make their school year a little more special is something we’re grateful to be a part of.”
Hassan said Fort Lauderdale United FC wants to use its players and organizational platform to support groups serving South Florida families. “Organizations like the Jason Taylor Foundation are making a lasting impact on families throughout South Florida, and those are exactly the kinds of organizations we want Fort Lauderdale United FC standing alongside,” Hassan said. “Our commitment to this community goes well beyond soccer. We want to use our platform, our players and our organization to support people who are doing meaningful work and help strengthen the communities we represent.”
Jason Taylor Foundation supports South Florida youth
The Jason Taylor Foundation was founded by former Dolphin and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. The foundation has spent more than two decades creating educational, athletic and community programs for South Florida youth.
The event gave Fort Lauderdale United FC players and leadership an opportunity to engage directly with children and families from South Florida. The club joined the Jason Taylor Foundation in supporting students as they prepared for the school year.
Source: Original report