ORLANDO, Fla. – When you think of soccer, women donning cocktail dresses, and fundraising, what event comes to mind? Tuesday, May 6 marked Orlando City Foundations’ third annual Soccer and the City event held in Downtown Orlando at The Abbey. Back by popular demand, the soirée was a huge success, as the Foundation raised over $28,000, with some of the proceeds going towards Parramore Kidz Zone, one of the chosen non-profits.

The event kicked off at 6pm, in which roughly 250 women were greeted by dapper Orlando City Soccer players who signed autographs and posed for pictures. Casual sipping and shopping followed, as the ladies were treated to a complimentary Soccertini and the opportunity to shop with Stella & Dot.

Some favorite early activities included the silent auction and raffle. The highest bidders of the silent auction were rewarded with sensational prizes such as elegant shoes by Carmen Steffens, a vacation at the Grand Bohemian, an Orlando City Soccer basket, and other excellent gifts. Winners of the raffle also scored handsomely with gifts such as Botox Treatments, a Kate Spade bag, and other prizes.

Orlando City pro players Miguel Gallardo and Luke Boden kicked off the evening’s entertainment with their engaging and humorous talk show. Throughout the evening, the audience continued to participate in various games such as Guess Who’s Bag, the team-orientated Family Feud game, and a dating game. However, Soccer and the City’s most infamous activity – the Shirt off Their Back Jersey Auction – stole the show. Orlando City Defender Brad Rusin auctioned his jersey for a whopping $750, the night’s highest bid for any jersey!

“It was great to be able to offer the ladies the opportunity to meet the Orlando City pro players,” said Foundation Chair Kay Rawlins. “I was especially impressed with the audience turnout and how much money was raised as funds nearly doubled from last year’s Soccer and the City. We [Orlando City Soccer Club] hope to see more ladies attend Orlando City Soccer games in the near future.”