Soccer Unity Project raises $340K at its Unity Ball gala

5/8/2025

Soccer Unity Project, a nonprofit organization providing free soccer programming in Boston, has announced that more than $340,000 was raised during its Unity Ball gala, hosted on May 8 at the Park Plaza Hotel. Funds raised will ensure that young people — especially girls and youth of color — can continue to experience the power and joy of sport.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we surpassed our fundraising goals—ensuring that even more young people across Boston will have free access to play. The Unity Ball was a powerful reminder that when we come together, we can create real, lasting impact," Soccer Unity Project President & Founder Caroline K. Foscato said.

Emcee Shaka Hislop with Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll

The Unity Ball was emceed by Shaka Hislop, ESPN Analyst and Former Professional Soccer Player. Other speakers included the Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, event co-chairs Jonathan Alves and Sabrina Williams, and board member Meg Lindberg.

The event honored the following individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing equity within and through sport.

Linda Whitlock, Minority Owner in Boston Legacy FC, received the Community Champion Award for her outstanding public service and leadership in the Greater Boston area. Passionate about all things sports, Whitlock is a fearless advocate for making youth sports more accessible.

Soccer Unity Project alumni Eliza Knight-Bairstow, Mila Lloyd, and Stacey Hoang received the Alumni Leadership Award for their commitment to building community through the game. Knight-Bairstow, Lloyd, and Hoang have all returned to the program as youth soccer coaches, empowering the next generation of female athletes.

“The Unity Ball was a truly inspiring evening — one that brought together an extraordinary community united by a shared belief in equity, access, and the power of sport, particularly the beautiful game of soccer. It was a joy to experience the purpose and the passion in that joy-filled room for expanding opportunity for young people in Greater Boston,” Community Champion Linda Whitlock remarked.

Soccer Unity Project applauds the generous support from its many event sponsors, including platinum sponsors Sandy and Paul Edgerley, and Richard A. D’Amore; and gold sponsors, Boston University, Spectrum Equity, and Stephanie Connaughton.

About Soccer Unity Project

Soccer Unity Project is a Boston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization reimagining the power of sport to build community, connect people from diverse backgrounds, and promote equity in youth play. Guided by the belief that sport should be accessible to all, Soccer Unity Project provides free play to over 1,400 youth annually. Using the soccer pitch as a hub of connection, Soccer Unity Project encourages individuals to come as they are, sharing in the love of the game and collective power of play. Learn more at soccerunityproject.org.