Last Thursday 9/14, the Bear team took the field -- presenting the Jersey City Recreation Department with a donation of $30,000 worth of soccer equipment and hosting a clinic for program participants (ages 8-14). The donation, which makes good on Bear’s promise to contribute a portion of all sales to local organizations in need through charitable partner Good Sports, will directly benefit JCRD’s “Shoot for the Stars Program”.
The event was attended by Jersey City’s Mayor Steven Fulop and New Jersey State Senator Sandra Cunningham -- both of whom noted the impact that Bear’s donation will have on the Jersey City community. “What Bear has done with this donation is tremendous and will have a direct and positive impact on the children of Jersey. We thank Bear for their contribution and for their commitment to the local community here.” Jersey City Mayor, Steven Fulop said.
Bear Founder Scott Paladini, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, New Jersey State Senator Sandra Cunningham, Jersey City Recreation Department Director Kevin Williamson, Director of JCFA Travel Soccer Academy and Shoot for the Stars Recreation Soccer Daniel Ali and Good Sports New York Market Director Kelly Patterson
Bear’s monetary donation equates to 1,205 pieces of soccer equipment that will go directly to the JCRD. This included cleats, shin guards, goals, cones, balls, shirts, backpacks and agility ladders.
The donation portion of the event was followed by a two-hour clinic where roughly 30 program participants honed their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills. Members of the Bear team even got involved -- kicking around soccer balls and challenging the participants to small-sided games. “I don’t have words to describe the impact that this donation will have on our program” JCRD director Daniel Ali said. “Our kids are so excited to receive this equipment.”
Young participants from Jersey City Recreation Department’s soccer program run footwork drills during a free soccer clinic and donation event at Berry Lane Park on September 14. Hoboken-based Bear partnered with Good Sports to donate $30,000 in soccer equipment to Jersey City Recreation Department.
JCRD’s “Shoot for the Stars” program offers children as young as three the opportunity to enjoy the “beautiful game” in a fun and safe environment. Bear’s donation will prove instrumental in expanding the program’s girls soccer league.
Bear’s founder Scott Paladini commented on the event and donation. “As a Hudson County parent, I understand the significant role that free recreational sports programs play for families within the community. We are thrilled to collaborate with Good Sports on this donation and to be able to offer this clinic for the children of Jersey City.”
A note about our charitable partner:
Good Sports gives all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need. Since 2003, Good Sports has provided more than $22 million worth of equipment to more than 3,200 youth programs, impacting over four million kids. Good Sports has been awarded a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator, for sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability;
