Reading United A.C. is again partnering with members of the Reading United Fun League, S.A.A.R.A. (Social Activities for the Associates of the Reading Area), and other local businesses and organizations to present the 5th Annual “Hometown Heroes Soccer Fundraiser”.
This annual event will be held Saturday, June 13, 6 p.m. at Wilson High School’s Gurski Stadium. The day will feature family-friendly entertainment designed to offer cheerful and sincere gratitude to Law Enforcement and Servicemen – our Hometown Heroes.
Proceeds will benefit both: a) Charitable funds in names of Officer Michael H. Wise II, Officer Scott A. Wertz, Deputy Kyle Pagerly, and CW2 Jarett Yoder; and b) Hounds on Working Leashes (H.O.W.L.), a non-profit organization that raises funds to protect lives of emergency service dogs.
The day’s Opening Ceremonies will be led by Reading’s Police Department, showcasing a special K-9 demonstration in honor of Deputy Pagerly’s partner Jynx. The Berks County Sheriff Honor Guard will lead teams onto the pitch, followed by welcoming remarks from local dignitaries, including Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Schwank (11th), State Rep. Mark Gillen (128th), and State Rep. Jim Cox (129th).
The Main Event features a casual and fun soccer match between Berks County Law Enforcement and members of Reading United Fun League. Law Enforcement holds the all-time edge (3-1), with their most recent victory coming in an emotional overtime setting. During the match’s Halftime, local Muhlenberg volunteer firefighter Derrick Redcay will be honored for strength and perseverance.
The event includes free admission, but donations are accepted where possible. Many valuable charity raffle prizes valued at over $6000 are available to win including Reading Phillies package and Philadelphia Union package, and all in attendance will receive a small United States flag, courtesy of Annin Flagmakers. Food will be available to purchase from Klinger’s on Carsonia.
James Kurtz, President of Hound on Working Leashes stated, “Hounds on Working Leashes is looking forward to being a part of the soccer match again this year. We started HOWL two years ago and through the overwhelming support of the public and our volunteers we have already provided twelve police K9’s with custom fit ballistic/stab resistant vests in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We have also provided one fire department K9 with vehicle safety equipment and training aids. We are on track to vest many more canines this year. These vests cost $1400 each and through the support of the public and organizations like this we can continue to keep our valuable emergency service K9s protected.
John Cusatis, Director of Community Relations of the Reading United stated, “Reading United is again proud and honored to be able to put this event together for a fifth year. We hope that this event can help every year in honoring four great men and bring an overall awareness to all of the police, firefighters, first responders and military personnel in our community.
This event is a chance to highlight the vital role these men and women play in serving and protecting our neighborhoods. We are excited that we can use soccer as a vehicle for community awareness and are thankful to everyone that has helped in putting this event together every year. We are also honored to present our first annual Hometown Hero award to Muhlenberg’s Derrick Redcay.
