March 31, 2011
Philadelphia, PA - The Annual Explorer Club Blue Chip Reception was held in the mezzanine of Hayman Center Tuesday night to mark the official start to the Explorer Club's annual Spring Pledge Drive.
The Explorer Club's top contributors and special guests were treated to a wonderful night of food, drink and camaraderie while hearing from basketball coaches Dr. John Giannini, Jeff Williams and the most recent La Salle product to embark upon a professional sports career- soccer great Ryan Richter.
Richter is completing his degree at La Salle while also performing the duties off his first full-time job as a member of the Philadelphia Union Professional Soccer Club who drafted him in the annual Major League Soccer amateur draft after competing in his final season as an Explorer.
Richter led the Explorer men's soccer team to the Atlantic 10 Championship game while earning A-10 Offensive Player of the Year and Scholar Athlete of the Year honors before being drafted by the second-year local MLS franchise. Prior to the reception, the Explorer Club Board of Directors met to discuss strategy and the logistics of the Annual Pledge Drive in which the Explorer Club leadership mobilizes for a six-week campaign to help support student-athletes at La Salle.
The Explorer Club, with membership standing at almost 1,000 strong, raises funds that supplement the team budgets of the University's 22 varsity squads. Donations go directly to the sport of the donor's preference or to the general fund. Typical uses of the funds include, but are not limited to; team travel, equipment upgrades, apparel and gear upgrades, special team travel ventures and others.
This year's Pledge Drive will be Chaired by Explorer Club Vice President Jack Marczely and features a new incentive program with rewards for participants and donors including a tailgate party and tickets to a Phillies game for the Pledge Drive team that raises the most funds and selected other individuals who raise the most money.
The Pledge Drive will culminate with the annual celebration to be held on May 12th at Treetops Cafe on La Salle"s campus where the participants and Pledge Drive leaders will be rewarded.
To become a member of the Explorer Club or to make a contribution please click here. To see additional events included during the Pledge drive please click here.
