We’re revisiting some of the top moments of the Red Bulls’ 2012 season from now until the end of the year. In this installment, the final one of the series, we’ll look back at the Red Bulls’ involvement in and around the soccer community.
At last we’ve reached the final installment of Moments from 2012, a mini-series of stories that look back on top moments from this past season.
Over the last few weeks we’ve seen a number of great highlights, including Thierry Henry’s first-career MLS hat trick, Brandon Barklage’s breakout against D.C. United, Tim Cahill’s debut with the Red Bulls, and more.
Admittedly, each and every one had something to do with the team’s performance on the pitch, but in this season of giving, there’s no better time than now to reflect on the Red Bulls’ work in the community throughout the 2012 calendar year.
Red Bulls Visit Camp Shriver
This past season, the Red Bulls made a total of 275 appearances in the community. We had players donate their time to America Scores’ National Poetry Slam, join the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Muscle Team, pay visits to Joseph M Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center, lend a hand at Camp Shriver for the Special Olympics of NJ, take on the role of ambassador for Street Soccer USA, and show the ins and outs of soccer at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Red Bulls players also raised awareness during a humbling visit to New York City’s 9/11 Memorial, organized Urban Soccer programs throughout Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Harlem, Manhattan, and the Bronx, and stood as proud supporters of MLS WORKS Soccer Kicks Cancer Initiatives. The Red Bulls also continued their July tradition of committing six weeks at the Ironbound Community Center in Newark, where they spend time teaching campers about healthy eating, teamwork, and soccer.
In November, the Red Bulls were quick to react in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, as members of the team and front office spent a full day at a warehouse in Jersey City assisting the American Red Cross in the sorting of relief items and assembling of individual bags for victims affected throughout the tri-state area. On the night of the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals match against D.C. United, the Red Bulls announced plans to donate a minimum of $250,000 to the American Red Cross, Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, and New York City Mayor’s Fund. Fans in attendance were also asked to bring nonperishable items to the Arena that night, as the staff at Red Bull Arena filled two trucks worth of supplies for hurricane victims.
The 2012 season was yet another tremendous success for the Red Bulls in the community. Special thanks go out to all our fans for their support during the season, and the added support given for moments like these.
Have a safe and happy New Year!
