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Shootout for Soldiers Philadelphia kicked off its third year with beautiful opening ceremonies and a fundraising goal they were determined to surpass.

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SFS Philadelphia’s goal was to fundraise $75,000, but just like last year they were determined to top it. They raised $102,569 once again completely crushing their goal!

However, SFS Philadelphia’s overall fundraising goal wasn’t the only one broken. Such as team O2 Stat – the team of 24 members raised $11,812 almost quadrupling their goal of $3,000.

An impressive 23 teams surpassed their fundraising goals with 20 raising more than $1,000 and 11 raising more than $2,000.

Local charity partners Travis Manion Foundation and Delaware County Veterans Memorial will receive a portion of the fundraising. Travis Manion Foundation “bridges the differences that separate us and strengthens the ties that bind us. We unite communities to build an America that values character above all else: where integrity is more important than celebrity and social impact overrides personal gain; where acts of courage, service and kindness permeate the nightly news, and where communities unite together to raise each other up.” Delaware County Veterans Memorial “pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.”

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In order to help create some buzz and get teams more excited to fundraise for our troops, this year we introduced a few new incentives. The Top Fundraiser of each event will win a custom Cascade Maverik x Shootout for Soldiers helmet, the Top Fundraising Team will receive custom Downstream x Shootout for Soldiers drawstring backpacks, and one team will win the opportunity to keep their jerseys.

Contributing to the Top Fundraising Team, O2 Stat, was our Top Fundraiser, Connor Keating. Keating raised $2,152 making him the recipient of a custom Cascade Maverik x Shootout for Soldiers helmet. Keating’s title as Top Fundraiser will also give him the chance to win a second custom Cascade Maverik x Shootout for Soldiers helmet that will be gifted to the Top Fundraiser across all events combined.

Mesa 26/27/28, a team comprised of 51 players ages eight to 11, were the lucky winners of the “Keep Your Jerseys” contest.

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“It was another great year for the Shootout [for Soldiers] in Philadelphia,” said SFS Philadelphia organizer Chris Bates. “Our community always rallies around this great cause and to raise over $100,000 again to support our nation’s veterans is really amazing.

“The opening ceremony with the unfolding and presentation of the large flag was a powerful experience to kick it off and the color guard always appropriately frames what the event stands for and why it is so important,” added Bates. “The energy was awesome throughout the 24 hours.  The band sets the festive atmosphere to start and the games were great – father/son, alumni battles, a Veterans scrum, girls games, boys games, faculty/kid, etc.  It was a wonderful event. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen!”