In a press release dated September 10, 2015, it was announced that Union Bank and the San Diego Chargers have again teamed up for the “Game Changers” fundraising program, which launches Sunday, September 13 prior to the Chargers’ game versus the Detroit Lions. This year’s program will help raise funds for Casa de Amparo, one of the leading centers for the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and fans are encouraged to help make a difference in the lives of at-risk children and end cycles of abuse.
Child abuse and neglect are serious problems nationally, statewide and in the San Diego community. The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency reports that approximately 70,000 reported cases of child abuse and neglect are reported in San Diego annually. San Diego County has the second highest rate of substantiated referrals among all counties in California.
Qualcomm Stadium before the game, Game Changers encourages Chargers fans to contribute their loose change and dollar bills to the one-of-a-kind Game Changers Mobile. Now in its third year, the Game Changers program seeks to raise more than $5,000 in fan donations during the 2015 season. Union Bank, through the MUFG Union Bank Foundation, and the Chargers have each pledged to match all donations up to $5,000, for a total of $10,000.
By donating to Casa de Amparo through Game Changers, fans will help serve more than 1,000 Casa Kids and young adults, from prenatal to 25 years old, as well as more than 700 families, through six integrated programs that promote healing, growth, and healthy relationships. These programs include: Residential Services, Counseling Services, Family Visitation, Hayward Child Development Center, New Directions, and Young Parent Network. Casa de Amparo is the San Diego Chargers Courage House, part of a national network of NFL teams and local charities dedicated to the prevention of child abuse.
The Game Changers Mobile can also be found driving around the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot before home games for the remainder of the 2015 regular season. As part of Game Changers, fans will have a chance to win a variety of prizes that will boost their Chargers experience – the Game Changers Mobile comes stocked with premium items, such as football gear signed by Chargers players, including Eric Weddle, Manti Te’o and Brandon Flowers. Fans will also have opportunities to win upgraded seats to watch the Chargers play that very day.
“The Chargers are pleased to join forces with Union Bank to support Casa de Amparo and help San Diego children who need our support,” said San Diego Chargers President – Business Operations A.G. Spanos. “Last year, some fans gave as much as $20 a game and that makes a tremendous difference. We invite all of our fans to donate and help support these important programs and, at the same time, they have a chance to win fun prizes including game tickets.”
For information about Game Changers and a list of rules and regulations, please visit http://www.unionbank.com/gamechangers, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unionbank or on Twitter @unionbank.
About Casa De Amparo:
Established in 1978, Casa de Amparo (Home of Protection) is recognized as a leader in treating and preventing child abuse and neglect in San Diego County and beyond, with locations in Oceanside and San Marcos. The non–profit organization annually serves over 1,000 Casa Kids, from prenatal to 24 years old, as well as 750 families and 450 adults, through six integrated programs that promote healing, growth, and healthy relationships. These programs include Residential Services, Counseling Services, Family Visitation, Hayward Child Development Center, New Directions, and Young Parent Network. Casa de Amparo is the San Diego Chargers Courage House, part of a national network of NFL teams and local charities dedicated to the prevention of child abuse.