End Near for QU Soccer Program Jersey Auction for Newtown

From the Quinnipiac University Soccer Program:

The Quinnipiac University soccer programs' world-wide fundraiser for the town of Newtown has enjoyed tremendous success and hopes to reach the $25,000 mark before its conclusion on Sunday, April 14 at 10 p.m.

The Bobcats began their auction for #26 jerseys on March 14, 2013, which are being donated by soccer teams from around the world, to raise money for a scholarship fund in memory of Rachel Marie D'Avino - the cousin of former Quinnipiac captain, Lauren Carmody-Grenier '02.

Quinnipiac has raised more than $17,000 and hopes to reach $25,000 before the end of the weekend. Fan interested in making a last minute bid can do so online by clicking here.

The proceeds of the auction will be used to establish a scholarship fund in memory of the 20 students and six teachers who died at Sandy Hook and will be dedicated in honor of Rachel. Quinnipiac hopes to continue this tradition by auctioning #26 jerseys every Dec. 14.

"The tragedy at Sandy Hook hit a raw nerve with everybody around the world and soccer is truly a global game," said women's soccer head coach Dave Clarke. "When you look at the continents involved, the countries involved and some of the politics involved, that's greater than the cause itself."

Rachel's cousin Lauren Carmody-Grenier was team captain in 2002 while the 2011 captain, Kyla Miles attended Sandy Hook and knew many of the victims.

"This tragedy hit very close to home for all of us," said men's scocer head coach Eric Da Costa. "The auction and other events have been our way of coping, our way of trying to help this community heal. What we have seen as a result is an entire global community coming together. The biggest Football Clubs in the world and some of the biggest names in our game all coming together to support a tremendous cause. The list is impressive but the massive number of people willing to help is truly inspiring."