7th Annual Hometown Heroes Community Tribute Weekend
Hosted by Michele Stratton and John Cusatis
Reading United A.C. and its Local Partners Honor Those Who Serve
Reading United A.C. is again partnering with members of the Reading United Fun League and other local organizations to present the 7th annual Hometown Heroes Community Tribute Weekend. For the first time in its 7-year history, this annual family-friendly event will be held over two days, September 9-10 in Exeter Township. We will honor the memory of our Hometown Heroes, Michael Wise, Scott Wertz, Kyle Pagerly and Jarett Yoder, with a set of competitions, entertainment and solemn remembrance intended to build a stronger community.
On Saturday, FlingGolf™ makes its debut in Berks County at the historic Reading Country Club. Players will compete to achieve the lowest number of strokes, but will use Fling Sticks – not traditional golf clubs – in order to advance. Candidate for Township Supervisor David Speece will begin this event with the ceremonial "First Fling". This landmark event will conclude with a concert at the Country Club Bistro with a live musical performance by local band MissBehavin'. The event starts at 3pm with Fling Sticks provided for use by participants. Cost is $40 which includes cart, food and drink. All proceeds benefit Teachers in the Park.
On Sunday morning, Berks Hometown Heroes partners with the Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church for their annual Block Party in Reiffton. This event will be held from 10am-2pm, and include service projects, food, music, moon bounce, games and more. At 11am, the Community Unity 5K run will test runners' endurance in a challenging neighborhood course. Race winner will be recognized that evening at the Hometown Heroes 7th Annual Soccer Match at halftime.
On Sunday evening, Exeter High School’s Don Thomas Stadium will host entertainment and charity soccer matches as tribute to community Law Enforcement and Servicemen – our Hometown Heroes. This event includes free admission, but donations are encouraged, and will be accepted on-site. We are excited to welcome many local heroes, including recipient of the 2017 Hometown Hero Award, Pennsylvania state wrestling champion Austin DeSanto. We are also proud to host Wilson High School Senior Abby White, Exeter Police Deputy Chief Matt Harley, and Berks Keystone Warriors leader Paul Spurgin as keynote speakers. Just before kickoff the hosts of the weekend events, Exeter Township Supervisor John Cusatis and candidate for the Exeter Township School Board Michele Stratton will honor the 2017 Community Hero Award.
Many valuable charity raffle prizes are available and all in attendance will receive a small United States flag, courtesy of Annin Flag makers, also free giveaways from Beretta and Elbeco. Families, dignitaries and local mascots will join us for a day of tribute. Refreshments – including food from Klinger’s on Carsonia and Sweet Ride Ice Cream – will be available throughout the duration of the day. Soccer matches will include members of the Exeter Township Fire Department (ETFD), local law enforcement, and Reading United’s Fun League in friendly competition. Opening ceremonies will be led by the Berks County Sheriff Department Honor Guard, with a very special pre-game concert performed by the Reading Buccaneers Alumni group and a powerful opening anthem by renowned musician Alex Allegra. All proceeds from this match will benefit Exeter Township Police K9 unit. Slapshot and the Reading Royals will have an exciting presence at this event and tons of other surprises and local community leaders.
At 9:00pm, the day concludes with Berks County’s Most Unique Fireworks Show, courtesy of The Works of Wyomissing, Exide Technologies, Penn State Life Lion and Reiffton Fire Company's Social Quarters. This show promises to dazzle audiences one last time before the autumn season!
ABOUT READING UNITED AC
Reading United A.C. is the Greater Reading area’s premier minor league soccer team. Led by the ownership group of Berks Professional Sports, Inc. the club was founded in 1995 as the Reading Rage. As the club entered its 2010 season a name, logo, and color change was made to better feature the ties to the local and state community as well as the soccer goals of the team and its partners. Reading United is a Player Development Partner of the Philadelphia Union MLS team. For more information about Reading United AC, visit www.readingunitedac.com. For more information or how to help with the event please email John Cusatis at john@readingunitedac.com.