Where soccer meets the real world

Late Tuesday word emerged from Haiti of a devastating earthquake in a place that can least afford such a challenge. Red Bull New York midfielder Seth Stammler once tagged along on a trip to Haiti with then-teammate Jozy Altidore. Stammler was so disturbed at the impoverished conditions there he pledged to do something about it. And he did. Read about his efforts here and the more complete tale here. The second link is from the New York Times, a piece written only a couple of weeks back.

Close to my home, former Dallas Burn manager Dave Dir contacted me to ask for a little help in spreading the word about 12-year-old Messi-in-the-making Christian Graef, who is successfully battling cancer. Officials from the local ASG Dallas Futbol Club are helping organize an event to raise money for The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Medical Center of Dallas.  It’s Jan. 31, arranged to raise awareness and assist Graef. Event details are here and the more complete story is here.