Soccer Silicon Valley and Joe Cannon raised over $10,000 for the Independent Peer Socialization Training Program (IPSTP) during a World Cup viewing party hosted by Georgie Huff in San Jose, Calif. Sunday afternoon during the Brazil vs. Ivory Coast match.
The co-sponsored event brought together Earthquakes players, Lars Frederiksen of the band Rancid, Soccer Silicon Valley and various other local dignitaries for a community viewing party to help raise money for kids afflicted by autism.
“I’m just overwhelmed seeing all of my friends here, my teammates and all the support this event received,” Cannon said. “Ever since I got back to San Jose, I’ve wanted to give more to the community. Hopefully we can try to build off of this successful day in years to come. “
Among the many donated items that helped make the event a success, the silent auction included signed Jimmy Conrad, Joe Cannon and Landon Donovan jerseys, an iPod and the chance to drink a pint with Chris Wondolowski and Chris Leitch or Arturo Alvarez and Jason Hernandez.
The day began with a brunch that included eggs, sausage links, fresh fruit, juice, mimosas and an omelet station. Folks in attendance took a chance to mingle prior to kickoff of the Brazil vs. Ivory Coast match at 11:30 a.m., enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Huff residence.
Two tents were set up with seats and high definition TVs. Toward the back of the crowd, a patio doubled as the bar and staging area for speeches by Cannon and other dignitaries.
At halftime, Agnes Lull, a counselor at Olinder Elementary in San Jose and a native Brazilian, treated the gathering to a samba demonstration. Later, Quakes defender Jason Hernandez livened things up with his own rendition of the samba, stepping along with Lull before bowing out to claps and cheers.
Chants for an encore performance with fellow defender Ike Opara were met by a boyish grin from the rookie. Although Opara skipped on the dancing, he and other Quakes players mingled, signed autographs and posed for photos with Quakes fans in attendance.
“If you missed this event, you’re going to be kicking yourself, because it’s been fantastic,” said Soccer Silicon Valley President Don Gagliardi. “It took a lot of work, but we’re really proud of the end product and that money will go a long way for the Independent Peer Socialization Training Program.”
