Houston Dynamo midfielder Danny Cruz is raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with a campaign entitled Cruzin’ for a Cure, including an upcoming auction, campaign T-shirts, and a special ticket package for the Dynamo’s May 4 match, the club announced today.
VIDEO: Cruzin' for a Cure press conference
Cruz and the Dynamo have set an ambitious goal of raising $30,000 for LLS, with Cruz participating in the Man of the Year campaign. Cruz’s passion for the campaign stems from his friendship with Brendon Farmer, a leukemia patient who has been named LLS Boy of the Year for 2011. Dynamo Senior Vice President Rocky Harris was named LLS Man of the Year in 2010.
“This is a great opportunity to raise money for an unbelievable cause,” Cruz said. “I met Brendon after one of our games last year. I found out his story from his parents and family friends, and after that game he ran up to me and said my number was his favorite number, and we hit it off. … From there, he and I have created a great friendship and have been following each other.”
Fans can donate directly to Cruz’s campaign by clicking here or going to HoustonDynamo.com/LLS. Dynamo Charities will match donations up to $5,000.
Cruz and the Dynamo will also host two upcoming events with proceeds benefitting LLS. First, on Saturday, April 30, from 7-10 p.m., Cruz will hold an auction at Drink Houston. Auction items will include dates with Cruz and several of his Dynamo teammates, coaching sessions, rounds of golf with Dynamo players, exclusive merchandise, and more.
Fans can also participate by purchasing a special ticket package to the Dynamo’s May 4 game against the Colorado Rapids, receiving a ticket and a Danny Cruz bobblehead for only $49.99. Those who purchase the ticket package will also have a chance to win Cruz’s boots from the match, custom made by Adidas for the occasion. Cruzin’ for a Cure T-shirts are also available for $10 at HoustonDynamo.com/LLS.
Two of the Dynamo’s major sponsors, Greenstar Recycling and Lloyd’s Register, have already made major contributions to Cruz’s campaign. Lloyd's Register provides independent assurance to companies operating high-risk, capital-intensive assets in the energy and transportation sectors. Greenstar Recycling is one of the largest recycling companies in America and has helped communities across Texas and other parts of the nation kick-start recycling programs and increase recycling volumes.
“To raise $30,000 for a cure like this is something I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do,” Cruz said. “Brendon worked so hard to become the LLS Boy of the Year last year, and I want to do the same thing. I’m looking to represent him, the Dynamo, and myself in the best way I can.”
The Houston Dynamo are a Major League Soccer club that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first five seasons and represented the United States in international competition four consecutive years from 2007-10. For more information, log on to www.HoustonDynamo.com or call (713) 276-7500.
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