Kicking off a new partnership, literally.

Nothing But Nets scored a huge goal at its first ever MLS soccer game last Sunday afternoon!  The Chicago Fire welcomed Nothing But Nets at its annual Faith and Family Night to officially launch the partnership between Nothing But Nets and Major League Soccer’s MLS W.O.R.K.S. 

Before the game, I had the pleasure of joining MLS Commissioner Don Garber on the field of Toyota Park to launch the partnership prior to the game. Nothing But Nets spokespeople Diego Gutierrez (Chicago Fire) and Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls), as well as Jo Gilley from the Chicago Sky, joined us on the field, showing the broad-based support for this global effort to combat malaria.

In the meantime, a group of energetic volunteers ran all around the stadium selling 50/50 raffle tickets and giving Nothing But Nets t-shirts to the fans. They raised funds as fans helped us send nets and save lives with their generous donations.

I was back on the field during halftime, this time with Chicago Fire’s President and CEO John Guppy, to recognize eight hometown heroes who have already made significant commitments and contributions to Nothing But Nets. It is inspiring to see such young kids stepping up to help protect children halfway across the world from malaria. 

Following the game (which ended in a 0-0 tie between the Fire and the Colorado Rapids in case you were wondering), the Christian rock band The Katinas took the stage and capped off a great day for Nothing But Nets. They even wore bright orange Nothing But Nets shirts!

All in all, Faith and Family Night was a fun way to kick-off the Nothing But Nets partnership with MLS W.O.R.K.S., and we are excited to send more nets and save more lives with soccer fans around the country. See you soon Chicago!