United Gives Back
United Gives Back
In memory of Lou Ramos, Lehigh Valley United founder
Lou Ramos was a role model and an inspiration to all; young and old, on and off the soccer field. He was husband, father, friend, soccer coach, educator and community activist. We at Lehigh Valley United can honor his memory by encouraging our soccer players to be the best they can be on the soccer field, in school and in the community.
UNITED GIVES BACK:
United Gives Back is a philanthropic program to help FC LVU players develop good citizenship beyond the soccer field. This program is designed to foster an awareness of the needs of our community and the world, and a desire to help others by actively volunteering and giving back.
LVU CORE VALUE:
As with our team and teammates, we also have a responsibility to the world around us. The same attitude we take to the field we bring to the community. Building not only an athletic foundation, but also a foundation of character that transcends the soccer field into the community is a core value at FC LVU.
LVU PLAYER PLEDGE:
“I will work hard to reach my greatest potential as a soccer player and person; I will strive to better the world around me through charitable works by my participation in the United Gives Back program.”
United Gives Back Efforts 2012-2014
Alex's Lemondade Stand |
LVU has sold lemonade at the 2013 sponsored tournaments with all proceeds going to Alex’s Lemonade Stand. |
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In Ian's Boots |
LVU has an ongoing collection of gently used shoes and all soccer gear at Turff Club |
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Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley |
LVU teams volunteer as "buddies" during the baseball season. | |
Soccer Without Borders |
LVU collected gently used soccer gear at our 2012 Tournaments to donate to SWB. | |
6th Street Shelter Toiletries Collection |
LVU collects hotel toiletries when teams attend out of the area tournaments that require tournament stays. Toiletries are bagged individually and donated. | |
Central Elementary School, Allentown |
Teams collect items for our Community School’s food pantry and clothing closet along with other specially requested items. | |
Book Collection |
New this year, LVU will collect books year round to donate to shelters, hospitals, and other requesting organizations. | |
GAVI |
In an effort to raise money towards the vaccination of children abroad, LVU will launch its second international philanthropic campaign with the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) | |
World Hunger Relief Campaign |
LVU partnered with Pizza Hut who sold pizza at our 2012 LV Steamroll and both weekends of The Lou Ramos Classic with all proceeds going to World Hunger. |
Andy McIntyre, President LVU, 2007-Present: Quoted from Andy’s speech at the 1st Annual Lehigh Valley United Lou Ramos Classic Tree Dedication Ceremony, August, 2008: “The tree symbolized to me, that although Lou is not physically here with us, still the roots that he planted in our club are alive and growing and his vision is being converted to reality through the efforts of our coaches, players and parent volunteers. But we are not just thinking in terms of ten years in planning this tree, nor was Lou just thinking about soccer in his vision for this club. Lou’s vision was about soccer as a catalyst for teaching the people. The values that he imparted to young men and women on the soccer field were concepts not just about controlling a ball and scoring a goal. The values he focused on are hard work, setting and achieving goals, dedication, self discipline and commitment to improving every day.”
LVU asks a lot from its members. Parents and friends work tournaments, banquets, and events. Players look after facilities, keeping them tidy. There is a pride in the way things are done at the club. At LVU we care. We make demands on ourselves and others. Together we accomplish much. This attitude does not only pertain from within LVU. Through our very successful United Gives Back program we are able to impact our surrounding community. Players at LVU are taught leadership skills and an attitude of hard work. This in combination with empathy for others and community awareness breeds a very real sense of philanthropic endeavor at the club. LVU has made a huge impact on the community which has helped teach our players their duty to give back:
LVU/Haiti relief fund in partnership with UNICEF, LVU/Miller blood drive, LVU/Soccer without borders equipment drive, LVU/Reading across America, LVU/Central Elementary Saturday Scholars, LVU/Allentown Youth Soccer Coaching Clinics and programming to name a few.
As with our team and teammates, we also have a responsibility to the world around us. The same attitudes we take to the field we bring to the community. Building not only an athletic foundation, but a foundation of character that transcends the soccer field into the community is a core principle at LVU.