Soccer team to host fire recovery fundraiser

WASHINGTON — The Washington Area Soccer Program, also known as WASP, will host a fundraiser this weekend after a top volunteer’s family suffered a house fire in early April.

Organizers say they plan to offer pulled pork sandwiches and snacks in exchange for freewill donations at the upcoming WASP tournament May 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the soccer fields in Washington’s Wellness Park.

The benefited family asked not to be named in this article, but other decision-makers for the local soccer team said they deserved the support.

“He’s a good member of the community, along with the community, along with his wife, too, and we saw an opportunity to give back to someone who really does so much for the WASP program,” said Amber Delzell, President of the WASP Board. “We wanted to make sure that, when they go back to their own home, they have the things that they need.”

WASP board members said the idea came from a parent on the team, Jodi Hansen, whose husband will cook the meat for the fundraiser.

She said the support was needed as the impacted family expects to flip between temporary homes until about June.

“I know that there’s other event’s that day, the town square’s going to have their craft show, and we’re hoping (people) take a venture out to 18th Street, and watch the kids during their tournament and generate donations to the cause,” Hansen said. “We hope to raise as much as possible.”

For those unable to attend the tournament this weekend, the Washington Chamber of Commerce has set up a donation jar for the cause at its tourism and welcome center downtown, which Chamber staff say will remain available for about two weeks after the tournament. The organization has also set up a donation webpage, with a link available in the online version of this article.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com