Jolley Honored as U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year
Published on October 14, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Monday, October 14, 2002) - Major League Soccer announced today that MetroStars defender Steve Jolley has been named the 2002 United States Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year.
Jolley was selected for the honor in recognition of his contributions to the community through the Just Jolley Foundation, a charitable organization the defender established with his wife, Pilar.
"It's really important to both Pilar and I that we entrench ourselves in the communities where we live, and in the communities that support us," said Jolley. "We learned a huge lesson after last September, especially where we live (Weehawken, NJ), about how supportive your neighbors and others in the community can really be when you need them most.
"Our goal, using whatever resources we are lucky enough to have, is to do our small part to make a difference, both within our own community and wherever else possible."
During the 2002 calendar year, Jolley succeeded in raising nearly $18,000 for a variety of important causes. Through donation solicitation and personal auction efforts, he was able to raise more than $10,000 for two families directly affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center: a neighbor and the family of a close college friend.
Inspired by that success and determined to make a difference near his Weehawken, N.J. home, Steve and Pilar launched the Just Jolley Foundation this past July, legally establishing it as a non-profit organization in New Jersey. Since its inception, the organization has already raised nearly $8,000 toward several causes.
The Foundation supports America Scores, a soccer and creative writing program in urban cities across the country. With help from the Just Jolley Foundation a similar program in the Jolleys' adopted hometown of Weehawken was established. There is also a scholarship component to the program connected to the College of William and Mary, the alma mater of both Steve and Pilar.
A player who is always among the first to make charitable and community appearances, Jolley has been one of the most durable and consistent performers for the MetroStars for the last three seasons. Since joining the club in a trade on April 19, 2000, the 2001 All-Star has started all but one of the 104 competitive matches played by the MetroStars - a club record.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian Award recognizes the MLS player who demonstrates exemplary community involvement. Other finalists for the honor included Eddie Pope of D.C. United and Jimmy Conrad of the San Jose Earthquakes.
Major League Soccer Stories from October 14, 2002
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- Fire to Face Mexico's Club Puebla on Nov. 6 at Cardinal Stadium - Chicago Fire FC
- Chung Named Individual Fair Play Award Winner - Colorado Rapids
- Wizards Earn MLS Team Fair Play Award - Sporting Kansas City
- Chung, Wizards Honored for Fair Play - MLS
- Jolley Honored as U.S. Soccer Foundation Humanitarian of the Year - MLS
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