The Columbus Crew announced today that it has teamed up with Lifeline of Ohio, an independent, non-profit organization that promotes and coordinates the donation of human organs and tissue for transplantation, for the second consecutive season. The partnership aims to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation through the launch of the “Heroes On and Off the Field” campaign.
As part of this campaign, Lifeline of Ohio will be the presenting sponsor of “First Kick 2012” The Crew's first home game on Saturday, March 24. Lifeline of Ohio will also be an associate sponsor of Hispanic Heritage Night, and be the jersey sponsor of two Hispanic Liga teams.
“The entire Crew organization is excited to have Lifeline of Ohio back with the Crew this year in an expanded partnership,” said Crew VP of Corporate Partnerships Chris Previte. “We are honored that they have partnered with us to help educate central Ohio on their mission, raising awareness for organ and tissue donation. It is an important cause that has touched our organization and we look forward to working with them to help spread the word.”
In addition, Lifeline of Ohio and the Crew Soccer Foundation will be presenting sponsors of the Heroes League, a new recreational initiative designed to expose at-risk and underprivileged youth to the sport of soccer. Other events, including a “Heroes” clinic, are in development and will be announced at a later date.
“Our ‘Heroes on and off the Field’ campaign with the Columbus Crew is a wonderful way to connect with the community, with the goal of inspiring fans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors,” said Kent Holloway, CEO of Lifeline of Ohio. “This is our second year partnering with the Crew to save lives and our efforts will coincide with the national initiative to register 20 million new donors this year. We expect great things in 2012, and we believe the response from the fans will be Massive.”
Last season, Crew midfielder Bernardo Anor served as a spokesperson for Lifeline of Ohio, raising awareness by telling his story of recovery after receiving a tissue transplant in his injured knee, made possible by a donor. Anor will continue to work with Lifeline of Ohio to reach out to its constituents with appearances and PSAs focusing on the Hispanic community.
“I am honored to continue to serve as a spokesperson for Lifeline of Ohio,” Anor said. “Receiving a tissue transplant has been a true blessing for me and has allowed me to live my dream of becoming a professional soccer player.”
About Lifeline of Ohio
Lifeline of Ohio (LOOP) is an independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and coordinate the donation of human organs and tissue for transplantation. Lifeline of Ohio is approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the designated organ procurement organization (OPO) serving 37 counties in central and southeastern Ohio, and Hancock and Wood counties in West Virginia. Lifeline of Ohio provides services to 72 hospitals through its transplant coordinators. LOOP’s clinical staff is on call 24 hours a day to coordinate the recovery and transport of tissue and organs for transplant. Ohioans can join the Ohio Donor Registry by calling 800.525.5667 or visiting: www.lifelineofohio.org
