In an effort to promote the 2022 season and give back to the community, the Sacramento Republic Football (soccer) Club engaged in a week-long series of events that engaged the Sacramento regional community.
A group of Sacramento Republic players and staff came to Rio Linda to help the vets at our American Legion hall, Post 521on 8th Street at M Street.
Representatives from the club included Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick and goalkeeper Danny Vitiello.
A couple of years ago, the Legion Hall had a partial ceiling collapse that barred community and Legion events such as community meetings, wedding receptions, and wakes or memorials from taking place in the space. Republic FC came and assisted by moving large appliances and equipment that were hindering the completion of the project.
Commander Calvin Coley, the Post’s commander, has overseen the space’s restoration. The insurance claim was denied, so the post has been raising money and asking for assistance from the community to restore the space to full use.
“We’re in a community that’s kind of overlooked, And there’s a lot of debris, equipment, and more that we just haven’t had the manpower to get moved. To have Republic FC come here and help makes us feel like we count.”
Commander Calvin Coley
According to the Sac Republic website, “Serving the area’s veterans is a constant focus for Republic FC, and last Thursday’s effort, while a small step in an otherwise big project, hit their intent on the head.”
“From the moment we heard Post 521’s story, we knew we had to help out. The benefit they provide to Rio Linda and to local veterans and their families is tremendous; supporting their ability to remain an important gathering place is what we’re all about. They make our community a better place.”
Director of Community Investment Kevin Burdick
In the future, Post 521 will continue the work and hopes to complete the project in the next few months.
