Ahead of the 2022 season opener, Republic FC embarked on a week-long effort to give back to the community. On March 10, a group of players and front office staff, including Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello, made a trip to Rio Linda to offer a helping hand to veterans at American Legion Post 521.
The mission was simple- in early 2020; the community staple saw its facility suffer major structural damage, leaving its main event hall unusable. Since, it’s been a long road to get it restored, and Republic FC was more than happy to assist by moving furniture, refrigerators, and equipment in the way of the next step of the project. The space had been a centerpiece of the community in Rio Linda since 1934 as a gathering place for events, celebrations and more.
The Post is headed by Commander Calvin Coley, who has overseen the space’s restoration from the beginning. When their insurance claim to initiate the repairs was denied, Coley led efforts to solicit their members and neighbors for help, donations, and labor to get their beloved event hall back in business. However, it hasn’t been easy.
“We’re in a community that’s kind of overlooked,” said Coley. “And there’s a lot of debris, equipment, and more that we just haven’t had the manpower to get moved. To have Republic FC come here and help makes us feel like we count.”
The experience clearly left a mark on those who participated, as well. Serving the area’s veterans is a constant focus for Republic FC, and last Thursday’s effort, while small step in an otherwise big project, hit their intent on the head.
“From the moment we heard Post 521’s story, we knew we had to help out,” said Burdick. “The benefit they provide to Rio Linda and to local veterans and their families is tremendous; supporting their ability to remain an important gathering place is what we’re all about. They make our community a better place.”
In the coming months, Coley and the team at Post 521 will continue restoring the space, with the goal of completing the project in the next few months. When they get it back, it will again be the primary gathering space for those in Rio Linda, ready for regular use by the posts members, their families, and many more.
