WPS Sky Blue FC

Shaner's Idea Spurs Benefit Match Saturday Night

Published on April 9, 2009 under Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Sky Blue FC News Release


This Saturday night at TD Bank Ballpark, Sky Blue FC vs. FC Gold Pride won't be the only soccer game in town. As part of the day's festivities, the New Jersey Law Enforcement Club/New Jersey Strikers will play the New York's Finest/NYPD team in a pregame fundraiser match ahead of the Women's Professional Soccer game.

The idea for the game began when Jill Appleheimer, the Manager of Community Relations & Events for Sky Blue FC, put out a request for the team's players to submit a cause of importance to them. Her first and most personal response came from Sky Blue FC defender Christie Shaner.

With tears in her eyes, Shaner, a native of Ambler, outside of Philadelphia, told Appleheimer the story of Kimberly Leigh - her best friend. Leigh's dad had coached both the girls as young soccer players, and Christie was proud to attend her friend's wedding in October of last year.

In fact, Kimberly Pawlowski is expecting her first child. Sadly, her husband will never know his child. That's because in February of this year, police officer John Pawlowski of Philadelphia's 35th district was killed in the line of duty.

Thus, Shaner's first thoughts about supporting a cause turned to her best friend.

"Obviously we all get into our profession, whether it be playing soccer or working as a police officer," Shaner said. "We find our love and our passion. Obviously, John Pawlowski's was being a Philadelphia police officer. Because his death hits so close to home for me personally, it's great that Sky Blue FC is able to create a tie with our men and women in blue. More specifically, it'd be great in the future to support the fallen police officers and fire fighters in the surrounding area."

And so on Saturday night, in honor of Shaner's request, the teams from New Jersey and New York will take the field at 5:15 p.m. at TD Bank Ballpark. The game is open to the public and benefits New Jersey State PBA Survivor & Welfare Fund and the NYPD Widows & Childrens Fund. To contribute, just mention the benefit at the box office when purchasing a ticket, and $5 will go to the funds. Also, there will be a NYPD merchandise table set up in the stadium with sales to benefit the cause.

In the nightcap, Sky Blue FC seeks its first win of the season when it battles FC Gold Pride at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are available for the night by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849) or by visiting www.SkyBlueStore.com. Purchase a Family 4-Pack to Saturday night's game for just $40!

The main ticket gate opens for the preliminary match between law enforcement adversaries at 5 p.m. All gates open for the WPS match at 6:15 p.m.

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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from April 9, 2009


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