Soccer star Hope Solo to attend Rapids fundraiser

United States women’s national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo will attend a Flathead Rapids Soccer Club benefit party in Whitefish this Saturday as part of an effort to raise critical funding for youth soccer in the North Valley.
The Rapids are aiming to raise about $45,000 this spring for general soccer equipment, including new soccer balls and goals.
“We’re in desperate need of money,” said organizer O’Brien Byrd. “Some of our soccer balls have been kicked around for eight years. We need to replace cracked and rusty goals, and buy jerseys.”
About 800 children participate in Rapids soccer programs each year.
“If your kid kicked a soccer ball in an organized setting, it’s likely being put on by the Rapids,” Byrd said.
Solo is a two-time Olympic gold medalist with over 100 international caps. She currently plays for Seattle Reign FC of the newly-formed National Women’s Soccer League, which kicks off its inaugural season in April.
A welcome party for Solo and live auction will be held March 23 from 6-9 p.m. at Great Northern Bar in Whitefish. Tickets cost $35 and are available at the Great Northern and Imagination Station in Whitefish, O’Brien Liquor and Wine in Columbia Falls, or Coldstone in Kalispell.
“Saturday’s party is where we make our money or not,” Byrd said. “We could pass on all these expenses to families, but there’s no way they can afford that. We’re asking the community to step up and be there on Saturday night for us.”
Auciton items include a pair of Solo’s goalie gloves worn at the Olympics, a Solo jersey, and a signed copy of her new book. The top auction item is a pair of VIP tickets to any 2013 taping of the TV show “Dancing with the Stars.”
“These tickets are priceless,” Byrd said. “You’re three rows from the dance floor, then you get to hang out with the celebrities.”
Solo will speak Sunday in the Columbia Falls High School gym as a part of a presentation that begins at noon. Tickets are $15 per person or $30 per family.
She will sign autographs and pose for photos after the event, then she’ll host a goalkeeper clinic from 3-5 p.m. for 20 children ages 12-18. Tickets cost $50.
Tickets to all three events can be purchased online at www.flatheadrapids.com/fundraiser. All goalies planning to attend the clinic must also download and complete a registration form.