COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew announced today that it has signed a new two-year corporate partnership with CheckSmart, a subsidiary of Ohio-based Community Choice Financial, Inc. CheckSmart will become a VIP sponsor of the Crew Soccer Foundation’s Kicks for Kids program as well as a key contributor to the Foundation’s Field Refurbishment Program.
“We are delighted to add CheckSmart to our growing roster of corporate partners,” said Crew Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Chris Previte. “Their commitment to investing in our community is a model for all other Columbus companies.”
CheckSmart’s philanthropic mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities in which they do business through financial support and the encouragement of volunteer service. Through the partnership, Check Smart will become a VIP sponsor of the Crew Soccer Foundation’s flagship program, Kicks for Kids. Check Smart will provide tickets to underprivileged youth and local children’s organizations who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a Columbus Crew match.
In addition, CheckSmart will become an associate sponsor of the Foundation’s Field Refurbishment Program in 2013. The current project, in conjunction with MLS W.O.R.K.S. and the Columbus Recreation & Parks Department, is a multi-year soccer field refurbishment project at Innis Park in Northeast Columbus. The project is designed to provide quality field space and soccer programming for youth and families, and is ideally situated to become a soccer-specific site serving the community in that area.
“We are proud to partner with the Columbus Crew and the Crew Soccer Foundation,” said Brandon Jones, Vice President of Product Development for CCFI. “We share the same values and commitment to the community, and look forward to helping make a difference in the lives of underserved youth through Kicks for Kids and the Field Refurbishment programs.”
CheckSmart will also extend its reach into the Hispanic community by becoming an associate sponsor of the Crew’s Hispanic Heritage Night, as well as having a presence on the Crew’s Spanish radio broadcasts for both 2012 and 2013.
About Community Choice Financial, Inc.
Community Choice Financial Inc. is a leading retailer of financial services to unbanked and underbanked consumers through a network of 492 retail storefronts across 14 states. CCFI focuses on providing consumers with a wide range of convenient consumer financial products and services to help them manage their day-to-day financial needs including short-term consumer loans, check cashing, prepaid debit cards, money transfers, bill payments, and money orders. Please visit www.ccfi.com for more information.
