More than 41,000 pairs of eyes looked up to the videoboard at Sunday night’s match with the Portland Timbers. Instead of first half highlights, supporters were treated to the debut of The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG video, featuring Sounders FC forward and Federal Way native Lamar Neagle. No stranger to supporting non-profits, Neagle was invited to star in this year’s video to drive awareness to the organization’s Day of Champions event on May 5.
“It was awesome to participate,” Neagle said. “The opening shot was right where I grew up and then at the Boys and Girls Club that I went to as a child. It ended with me at the stadium [CenturyLink Field]… it was an awesome reflection of my life.”
The 27-year-old’s own organization, The Neagle Foundation, helps to support local charities and after school programs in the Seattle area. Getting involved with this project was an easy decision for him: “For the Seattle Foundation to pick me to be a part of the video is a huge honor,” he said. “I’m glad to do it.”
For Neagle, it’s also about giving back to the programs that he benefitted from as a child. “I don’t think I would have ever thought growing up that I’d be one of the people that’s able to give back like this and have a foundation of my own,” he said.
Growing up just south of the city he now plays for, Neagle has been able to stay involved in town he grew up in. The video features the places he loved as a child and now has the chance to support.
“There’s nothing better than scoring a goal or giving back to kids and families that need it. To be able to do it in my neighborhood is awesome.”
Now, with GiveBIG day coming up next week, Neagle hopes his presence as not only a member of the Sounders but as a lifetime Seattle-area resident will inspire others to give.
“I think it resonates. There’s a connection. People will see the places in the film and they might know them personally,” he says. “I hope kids can see that and see where I came from and know it’s no different than where they come from. I hope it sparks them to start to give back.”
The Seattle Foundation’s GiveBIG Day of Champions is Tuesday, May 5. To learn more about the nonprofits you can support, click here.
