FundaField – Changing The World One Soccer Field At A Time!
February 22, 2009 by Jim Walberg · 22 Comments
Jim Walberg met two remarkable high school students last week, making a difference in the world – $1 at a time.
At my Rotary Club last week, we had Garrett Weiss and Kyle Weiss has our presenters. These are two high school young men that were inspired to make a difference in this world because of attending the World Cup games several years ago. The most impressive soccer game they watched at the World Cup include an African team with almost no support and from a war torn country. They sat next to the small enthusiastic group of cheering fans and had the chance to speak with them about their country. They were shocked at the conditions in the country and how difficult it was to participate in the game of
soccer that Garrett and Kyle love so much, because of having almost NO soccer fields.
Garrett and Kyle were so moved by their experience that they decided to see if they could raise some money and help in a small way with supporting soccer in Africa. The never dreamed they would end up creating a movement that is now building soccer fields all over Africa…FundaField was born!
With the 2010 Football World Cup coming up in South Africa, 75% of children in South Africa are surviving on less than $2 per day, have little or no access to sporting facilities, and are exposed to greater risk of violence, drug abuse and early pregnancy. FUNDaFIELD understands that sports can be a vital tool for the development of children in South Africa, improving overall health and physical development, improving mental abilities, developing social skills and interactions all while providing for the child to have fun and 
challenge themselves in the sporting arena.
The facts Garrett and Kyle have discovered about Africa were absolutely shocking to them.
- Twenty percent of Africa’s children die before the age of five. Africa has the highest infant mortality rate in the world:
- 118 African babies out of every 1,000 born alive die before their first birthday.
- One African in three is malnourished.
- More than 50 percent of Africans suffer from water-related diseases such as cholera and infant diarrhea.
- More than 40 percent of Africans do not have the ability to obtain sufficient food on a day-to-day basis.
- Nearly two million African adults and children died from AIDS in 2005. Nine out of 10 children living with HIV/AIDS are African. More than 12 million African children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. HIV/AIDS has created more than 14 million orphans – 92 percent of them live in Africa.
In magazines and on billboards, you have seen little picture squares that are used to create one BIG picture. Their concept is the same with their fundraising efforts. Their little squares cost $1 each, and they put your initials in that square. When all of the little squares are sold – 100,000 of them, they will spell out, FundaField, and they will have reached their commitment of raising $100,000. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization so all of the squares you purchase are tax deductible. Contact me if you would like more information about how to assist with this amazing project. Until next time…
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Filed Under: Blog, Community Events, Giving Back, Memorial Moments, News
Tagged: 2010 World Cup, Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary, FundaField, Garrett Weiss, Jim Walberg, Kyle Weiss, World Cup Soccer
Happy Bday Jim!
Hey Mike,
Thanks for checking in… Your b-day wishes are much appreciated. Until next time…
Awesome Article. Thank you so much Mr. Walberg!!!!!
Can’t wait to do a follow up!!!!
great stuff ther go fund-a-field!!!!
proud to know these guys, they’re awesome people
FUNDaFIELD sounds like a truly important and noble cause and I fully support what they’re trying to accomplish. Good job Kyle and Garrett!
Hey FUNDaFIELD does amazing things, and is serious about making an impact in poverty stricken areas. We appreciate all support, whether its a donation or spreading the word to all your friends. Thank You
Thanks Jim for this awesome article!
FundaField is a great organization and I am very proud to be a part of it. Good job Kyle and Garrett, keep up the great work!
Hey, FundaField is a great organization which I love for their dedication to bring soccer to poverty-stricken areas. Way to go guys!
-Brian
WOW! Awesome work guys! I’m really impressed with these two young men.
Hi Mr. Walberg,
Thank you for writing such a nice article about FUNDaFIELD.
Clark Geranen
What an amazing group of teenagers!! Thank you for all your hard work to help others. You are an inspiration to us all!!!!
FUNDaField is an amazing way to help them. THANKS
Hi Mr. Walberg!
This is a great foundation, and it’s great to see Garrett and Kyle putting so much effort and time into something they believe in so much.
Hello Kyle,
Congrats on continuing with the leadership of this project. You are to be commended along with your fellow members.
Hi Natalie, You may want to go on to the link in the article and see how you and jump in and assist with it.
Hey Jake…I promise I will continue to spread the word AND purchase some squares. Thanks for supporting this amazing project.
Hello Arman, You and your fellow members deserve to proud of what you are accomplishing.
Hey Fred…as you can tell, I am a fan of what they are doing, too.
Hey Clark…I will keep my readers updated as to their progress. Buy more squares!!!
Hi Kathy…they have certainly inspired me to increas my “Service Above Self” to my community and the world.
Hello Stephen…we agree that Garrett and Kyle have stepped into big leadership shoes. Thanks for being involved. And, congrats on your “A’s” last week.