Community

Republic FC Rockstar Week 2: Mary Beth Kohne

Throughout August, Republic FC and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento at Fire Mountain are recognizing the contributions and supports of community members during the pandemic and beyond. Every week a new Republic FC Rockstar will be selected from the fan and community nominations. The Indomitable Club and Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento are calling on fans to nominate a Rockstar – frontline or essential worker who made an impact during the last 18 months, a veteran or active-duty member of the Armed Forces, a dedicated teacher or passionate volunteer, or one of the countless stories of service, support and indomitable spirit of the region – and share a story of a community champion. A Rockstar will be selected weekly and honored, with a grand prize including a hosted stay at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sacramento and a VIP experience at a Republic FC match.

El Dorado County Office of Education Occupational Therapist, Mary Beth Kohne has been selected as this week’s Republic FC Rockstar. Her commitment and dedication to finding ways to support and to help families with children under the age of three who have delays in one or more areas of development is rooted in the Indomitable Spirit.

Kohne is described as ‘an angel’ by her clients with whom she works with on a weekly basis to not only help the children but also show parents how to best support their children.

“I am humbled everyday by the parents that I feel are rockstars. They are the ones truly doing this on the day-to-day,” Kohne says. “That is what is so driving to me . The parents are the rockstars and I work with a community that drives and dreams for the children in the community.”

During COVID, Kohne’s commitment was heightened as she transitioned to weekly video calls with families and dropped off special toys and equipment for children to use.

Mary Beth works with children ages 0-3 and helps babies and toddlers with their development while treating them with love and care as if they are her own.

Kohne is described as ‘an angel’ by her clients with whom she works with on a weekly basis to not only help the children but also show parents how to best support their children.

During COVID, Kohne’s commitment was heightened as she transitioned to weekly video calls with families and dropped off special toys and equipment for children to use.

Mary Beth works with children ages 0-3 and helps babies and toddlers with their development while treating them with love and care as if they are her own.

“I love it because I don’t get daily feedback from parents, but when I hear a parent say I gave them hope… that’s what keeps me going,” Kohne says.

Kohne is another rockstar in the Sacramento community that dedicates her life to helping families and children going through traumatic realizations and changes. She is one of many in her industry that make life everyday easier for families with children with delays in development.

Families in El Dorado County and others around Sacramento area have resources to get a referral for assistance and the help they need for children. To see the El Dorado County Office of Education Special Services, click here.

Nominate a Rockstar in our community now at https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/hardrock.

“I love it because I don’t get daily feedback from parents, but when I hear a parent say I gave them hope… that’s what keeps me going,” Kohne says.

Nominate a Rockstar in our community now at https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/hardrock.

Republic FC Honors First Cardiac Kid Carter Andrews and Family

During Republic FC’s first-ever Heart Health Night on Saturday, the club will honor 1-year-old Carter as its first Cardiac Kid. The program – one of many initiatives being rolled out by the club following the announcement to rename its stadium Heart Health Park – aims to highlight the stories of young people and their families who are affected by and trying to make a difference in the world of heart health.

At Saturday’s match, the Andrews Family will be treated to the VIP experience at Heart Health Park, and call on fans to donate to the Children’s Heart Foundation. Republic FC has pledged to match up to $1,000 in donations.

For Carter and his mom Laura, Heart Health isn’t just the name of a stadium, it’s an everyday challenge. Two days after Carter was born, his pediatrician heard a heart murmur, and three days later the family learned that Carter has two heart defects – Atrial Septal Defect and Ventricular Septal Defect. He is currently undergoing treatment to try to repair the defects naturally, but the possibility of heart surgery is not off the table.

While they wait to figure out their next steps, Carter’s family is taking action by participating in the 2021 Children’s Heart Foundation Congenital Heart Walk. The event – coming up this Sunday – is focused on raising money to fund research on congenital heart defects, which, according to the American Heart Association, affect at least eight out of every 1,000 infants born each year. They are also the leading cause of birth defect-related mortality.

Join in Republic FC in supporting Carter’s Crew in making a lasting impact in the lives of kids like Carter and their families who are affected by congenital heart defects. Donate or join the walk at bit.ly/cardiac-kid-carter.

Heart Health Park Opens Doors to the Public for a Workout Series Led by Sacramento Fitness Experts

–   Republic FC and Western Health Advantage launch Republic FC Fit – a free workout series at the team’s home field open to all ages and fitness levels – beginning August 21
–   Workouts curated by lead instructor Bryan Washington from Sacramento’s The Academy Training and Performance Center
–   Registration is now open

Sacramento, Calif. – Beginning August 21, Republic FC and Western Health Advantage will open Heart Health Park with the support of the expert staff from The Academy Training and Performance Center for a series of open-to-the public workouts to promote community health and wellness. Republic FC Fit will be an ongoing series of workouts at the team’s home field, as well as community health and wellness events, to inspire people to make fitness a priority. Registration for the first-come, first-served event is now open now.

"Our weekly matches provide entertainment and excitement for fans, and we are proud to highlight health and wellness at Heart Health Park,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re thrilled to continue to work with Western Health Advantage to make meaningful, healthy change in the region.”

"When we decided to name the stadium, Heart Health Park, we doubled down on our commitment to invest in the health and wellness of Republic FC fans, supporters, and the Sacramento region,” said Garry Maisel, Western Health Advantage President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited to build on Republic FC Fit and create even more programs for the community.”

“Our weekly matches provide entertainment and excitement for fans, and we are proud to highlight health and wellness at Heart Health Park,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re thrilled to continue to work with Western Health Advantage to make meaningful, healthy change in the region.”

“When we decided to name the stadium, Heart Health Park, we doubled down on our commitment to invest in the health and wellness of Republic FC fans, supporters, and the Sacramento region,” said Garry Maisel, Western Health Advantage President and Chief Executive Officer. “We’re excited to build on Republic FC Fit and create even more programs for the community.”

“I believe in building champions. So, every day I aspire to create an energetic environment to ensure my community feels healthier and more happy by using strength and conditioning for life and sport,” said Academy Training and Performance Center Co-owner and lead instructor Bryan Washington.

The first open-to-the public workout will kick off on August 21 with two sessions – the first at 9:00 a.m. and the second at 10:30 a.m. Participants will be able to pick from six different, 20-minute workout stations – cycling, boxing, medicine balls, bodyweight, stadium stairs, and core fitness – spaced around the field and stadium. Western Health Advantage’s Wellness Manager Alicia Lowe will also work with participants for a warm-up and cool-down zone. All exercises can be modified for different fitness levels and ages.

Registration for the first Republic FC Fit workout is free, but with a $10 donation during registration participants receive a ticket to an upcoming Republic FC match as well as a two-week pass to The Academy Training and Performance Center. Participants who donate $40 during registration will receive a limited-edition Republic FC workout kit with a water bottle, workout towel, and gym bag, as well as two tickets to an upcoming Republic FC match and a two-week pass to The Academy Training and Performance Center. Net proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. The second session on September 25 will open registration later this month.

At the beginning of the season, Republic FC and Western Health Advantage partnered to rename the team’s home field, Heart Health Park, as part of a collaborative effort to call attention to the importance of community health and wellbeing, in place of the health plan’s name. Through workouts at the stadium and several additional initiatives, Heart Health Park is a community program to drive awareness and action around cardiovascular disease and related ailments.

This includes offering heart-healthy concession options, opening the stadium for workouts with local fitness instructors, and engaging with regional non-profits to develop additional resources and programming to put an emphasis on nutrition and an active lifestyle. On Saturday, August 14, Yoga on the Pitch returns to Heart Health Park at 5:30 p.m. before the Indomitable Club hosts Las Vegas Lights FC. Soccer fans, friends, and fitness enthusiasts will take to the field for a for a 60-minute yoga session led by Alicia Lowe, Health and Wellness Manager at Western Health Advantage. All-ages, and experience levels are welcome. Ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

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Republic FC Rockstar Week 1: Dr. David Baker

Sacramento Children’s Home Chief Executive Officer, Dr. David Baker is the first Republic FC Rockstar for his service to the Sacramento Region. He received nominations due to the extensive work he did to ensure that no programs at Sacramento’s oldest residential home for the region’s most vulnerable children and families were paused or terminated due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dr. Baker worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of staff and children, while ramping up care in the Crisis Nursery for children ages 0-5, continuing essential home visits, and virtual counseling sessions for families in need.

With the guidance of Dr. Baker, the Sacramento Children’s Home also added a statewide urgent response line that foster care children could text or call for help and adds to the various ways the hospital is helping children in need in our communities.

“Coming to work is exciting because I know that I am going to have a chance to work with staff that are making huge impacts on kids and families lives,” Dr. Baker says.

Since the 1860s, the Sacramento Children’s Home has been a staple in the Sacramento community, helping vulnerable children and families with high-quality care. The home provides crisis support for families, short-term residential care to foster youth who have suffered trauma, and mental health treatment for the region’s most at-risk children and families.

“I think I would say that this is the representation of the hard work of the 275 plus employees and the commitment that they have always had to this community,” Dr. Baker says, “During the time of the pandemic and to see folks come in every day and making sure the needs of children and families in this community are met despite the hurdles COVID has thrown in front of us is inspiring.”

The Sacramento Children’s Home has provided services to over 7,000 children and 4,300 families each year. For more information or to donate go to the Sacramento Children’s Home, visit kidshome.org.

Nominate a Rockstar in our community now at https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/hardrock.

Republic FC Teams Up with Raley’s, BODYARMOR to Raise Funds for Special Olympics Northern California

For the second season in a row, Republic FC has partnered with BODYARMOR, Raley’s, and Special Olympics Northern California for a campaign that will encourage athlete health, while raising funds and awareness for local programs.

With every purchase of BODYARMOR Sports Drink, LYTE, and Sportwater at Raley’s, Bel Air, and Nob Hill Foods in July and August, BODYARMOR will donate 10 cents to Special Olympics Northern California.

Alongside the campaign, Republic FC and Raley’s have teamed up for an online sweepstakes that awards one weekly winner a prize of BODYARMOR products and a $100 Raley’s gift card. The contest, which begins August 2nd, will run through the end of the month.

One winner will be selected each week beginning August 9, with the final winner announced on August 31 for a total of four winners selected.

For more information about Special Olympics Northern California, BODYARMOR, rules, and how to enter, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/drinkbodyarmor.

One winner will be selected each week beginning August 9, with the final winner announced on August 31 for a total of four winners selected.

For more information about Special Olympics Northern California, BODYARMOR, rules, and how to enter, visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/drinkbodyarmor.

SRFC Players Participating in Playing for Pride

2021 will mark the fourth straight season the boys in Old Glory Red are utilizing the team’s platform to support the LGBTQ+ community through Playing for Pride. The nationwide fundraiser every June is organized by Athlete Ally, features pledges from professional athletes and coaches across the highest levels of American soccer. The nonprofit raises funds to level the playing field for the LGBTQ+ community with a mission focused on making sports inclusive for all.

The fundraiser was founded in 2017 by Austin de Luz – a former MLS and USL player – who created the movement in response to his state’s discriminatory anti-LGBTQ legislation. Last year, the accomplished midfielder joined Connor Sutton on The Breakaway: A Republic FC Podcast to discuss the campaign he created and its growing impact.

This year, the Indomitable Club’s Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, Cameron Iwasa and Duke Lacroix are all participating in Playing for Pride. Aligned with the club’s quest to highlight heart health, this year’s contributions will be connected to the miles they log in training and games. And through the month of June, the donations will be supplemented with a $10 game appearance bonus, $20 assist bonus, and $30 goal bonus.

Fans can also support Playing for Pride by purchasing one of the unique and one-of-a-kind Diverse Voices in Spot – Pride edition t-shirt that was designed by Megan Reyes who partnered with the organization for this year’s campaign.

Athlete Ally has pledged to donate 50% of proceeds, up to $5,000, to the Black Women Player’s Collective, and proceeds to Athlete Ally will support the work to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion to all levels of sport through education, policy and athlete activism.

In past years, Republic FC fans and staff have matched donations and contributed to the cause. Josh Cohen, Sam Werner and Dekel Keinan each supported the cause in seasons past by wearing custom boots and making donations that matched their on-field performance.

Pride Scholarship Returns for Third Season: College-bound Students Eligible for $1,000 Prize

Sacramento Republic FC and the Sacramento LGBT Center are partnering for the third time to highlight a college-bound student. Through the partnership, a regional student who serves as an LGBTQ+ activist, will receive $1,000 prize to help them in their first-year collegiate studies this fall.

Candidates must be an incoming college freshman, beginning studies this fall, and maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA. Applicants should exhibit leadership skills in the LGBT+ community, as well as a passion for academic growth.

All interested candidates should reach out to Assistant Director of Youth Programs – Jesse Archer – at jesse.archer@saccenter.org before the June 18 deadline. Candidates need to email Jesse a one page or less letter on why they believe they should be the recipients of the scholarship. This year’s winner will be announced during the June 26 match at Heart Health Park against Phoenix Rising FC.

Last year’s winner was Mercedes Torres who in 2020 was the President of the Gender and Sexuality Acceptance Club. Last fall, Mercedes was a freshman at the University of Pacific where she kicked off her college career studying Psychology. When Mercedes applied for last year’s scholarship, she noted, “I want to be able to empathize, better understand, and I think studying Psychology will help me do just that.”

Sacramento County Public Health & Republic FC Partner to Promote Community Health and Provide Vaccine Access at Games, Regional Pop-ups

Sacramento, Calif. – Republic FC and health leaders at the office of Sacramento County Public Health are collaborating to increase COVID-19 vaccine access and participation and support the region as it prepares to reopen beginning on June 15, including future Republic FC matches at Heart Health Park. Through a partnership with Urgent Care Now and Equivax, Heart Health Park will serve as a pop-up vaccine clinic for the next three Republic FC home matches, beginning this Saturday, May 29.

Reservations for 500 vaccine appointments will launch on Tuesday for Season Ticket Members who have already selected tickets, and Wednesday for the general public on Republic FC’s social channels. Vaccine participants will receive one free ticket to the match.

With the support of state and county health officials, Heart Health Park capacity will be increased for each match, safely restoring a vibrant match day experience. The second dose of the vaccine will be administered at the club’s June 26thmatch when Heart Health Park will open to full capacity for the first time since March 2020.

In line with county health guidance and last Friday’s Beyond the Blueprint memo from the California Department of Public Health, Republic FC continues to prepare to open Heart Health Park to its full capacity safely. In the coming weeks, the club will announce upcoming opportunities for fans to select tickets for matches in June and beyond.

“We are excited to be working with Republic FC on bringing increased attention to vaccines as well as offering the convenience of vaccines at the park,” said Sacramento County Public Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye. “It is these kinds of innovative and collaborative ideas that will help us get our community vaccinated, reach herd immunity and ultimately keep our community safer.”

“As communities around the state prepare to take steps to re-open businesses and events, this partnership will help continue to keep health and wellness a priority through our region,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “The pop-up vaccine services at games and additional outreach efforts in underserved communities will assist in the continued recovery of our community.”

“As local medical providers delivering high quality medicine for many years, we are extremely proud to have administered over 100,000 vaccines to Sacramento residents,” said Urgent Care Now Medical Director Dr. Rusty Ohshita. “By partnering with the County Public Health Department, Sacramento Republic FC, Urgent Care Now and Equivax are able to reach further into our communities especially those at greatest risk and most impacted. We are honored to help vaccinate and protect even more residents of our region with these exciting events.”

Beyond gamedays, Republic FC and county health officials are working to drive COVID-19 education efforts and dispel myths, simplify the vaccination process in neighborhoods, and highlight health issues that are disproportionately affecting communities of color. In the coming weeks, the club and county will launch pop-up vaccine clinics, soccer camps and player-led community discussions in neighborhoods with low-vaccination rates.

Duke Lacroix Begins Natomas School Visits to Bring Soccer to Kids

Sacramento Republic FC and defender Duke Lacroix have teamed up with Natomas Unified School District and the Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center to bring soccer to after school programs across the district.

“Just to introduce them to the sport that I love, I really relish those opportunities and enjoy them,” said Duke. “To show them how it can serve as a vehicle to find a passion that they can get involved in, where they can enjoy, and if it’s soccer, then it’s soccer.”

On Wednesday, Duke visited with students at American Lakes School, telling them about his experience growing up and playing soccer and how it helped him with his education as well, having played collegiately at the University of Pennsylvania. After answering questions from students, Duke and youth coach Ben Kamm led the students through some simple drills and skills before hitting the pitch with the students for small sided games.

“It’s one thing to be a part of a club that says they do these types of things, it’s another thing to be involved with the club that does these things. And this is a club of doers, “ said Duke. “I’m just glad to be a part of it, and I’m really looking forward to the other schools, the other kids that we can hopefully influence and be connected with, because at the end of the day, it’s about community. We have a community who supports us and we hope to support the community as well.”

Duke will visit several other schools throughout the summer in Natomas that have after school programs that are operated by The Center. The programs, serving students grades K-12, provides a place where they can participate in extracurricular activities that strengthen their relationship building skills, enhance their communication, and allow them to be critical thinkers.

“The mission of our expanded learning programs is to provide innovative, youth-driven, high quality out-of-school-time opportunities that include building school-community partnerships, engaging families to participate in their children’s learning, and learning through project-based enrichment that complements the school day,” said Gionovan Bean, The Center’s Expanded Learning Program Coordinator.

Lincoln FC To Host Community Soccer Event

Republic FC Youth Club Partner Lincoln Soccer FC will be hosting a free Community Event on Friday, May 21st from 6:30 pm-8 pm. This event is a fun, family day for the Lincoln soccer community to come out and enjoy some soccer activities with Republic FC camps and clinics coaches, food trucks, and giveaways.

Families are invited to this free community event which will be held at Foskett Regional Park located at 1911 Finney Way, Lincoln CA 95648.

Recently, the Indomitable Club expanded its family with a partnership with Lincoln FC after launching its Youth Club Partner program earlier this year as an opportunity to give local clubs a boost in working with their players and helping grow the game club by club. Lincoln FC is Republic FC’s inaugural Youth Club Partner. Learn more about how your club can become a Youth Club Partner here.

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