Dynamo Hurricane Relief Week

Here's the latest press release from the Dynamo:

HOUSTON, TX (Thursday, September 25, 2008) – The Houston Dynamo announced they will use their next three home matches to help the Houston area recover from Hurricane Ike with Dynamo Hurricane Relief Week.

To benefit recovery efforts, the Dynamo will honor local emergency workers, collect monetary donations and soccer equipment for local clubs, and conduct several Dynamo Charities fundraisers during their games October 12, October 15, and October 18. All proceeds will be distributed to Houston- and Galveston-area soccer clubs by the South Texas Youth Soccer Association on behalf of Dynamo Charities.

Before each game, the Dynamo Drive Series, presented by Infinity Insurance, will collect soccer equipment in conjunction with the U.S. Soccer Foundation Passback Program, the South Texas Youth Soccer Association, and MLS Works to benefit local teams affected by Hurricane Ike. The Dynamo will also set up donation centers around the stadium for each game. Donations may be made online via Dynamo Charities, beginning next week.

“It is our hope that by helping kids to return to the soccer fields, we can play a part in bringing things back to normal and adding something positive to those most negatively affected,” Dynamo Chief Operating Officer Chris Canetti said.

For the Sunday, October 12 game against D.C. United, presented by The Methodist Hospital System, the Dynamo will invite local first responders to participate in an on-field ceremony. All Dynamo proceeds from on-site parking will benefit youth soccer teams, as will proceeds from an auction for jerseys worn in that night’s game. The Methodist Hospital System will be on hand conducting a blood drive.

On Wednesday, October 15, when the Dynamo host the San Jose Earthquakes in a game postponed from September 20 by Hurricane Ike, the Dynamo will offer free tickets to children aged 14 and under and $10 tickets to adults for the 8:00 p.m. match, presented by Bud Light. A portion of the ticket proceeds will go toward helping local soccer clubs affected by the hurricane.

When the Dynamo host the Los Angeles Galaxy at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, presented by Amigo Energy, the Dynamo will hold an on-field presentation to announce their contribution to hurricane relief efforts.

Currently in first place in the MLS Western Conference, the Dynamo (10-5-9, 39 points) will return to action on Saturday, September 27, with an afternoon road contest against Toronto FC. Houston’s next home game is a CONCACAF Champions League game against San Francisco F.C. on October 7. For more information, please log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.