The Milwaukee Wave Makes Sports History

This past year, the Milwaukee Wave Indoor Professional Soccer Team did something that no professional sports team has ever had the inspiration or the courage to do ... play an entire season without a home jersey.

Now, why on earth would the Milwaukee Wave want to do such a thing?

 

The answer to this question just might surprise you ... 

During each home game, all of the Milwaukee Wave players wore a custom-designed soccer jersey that honored one of 11 local or national charities. During the featured charity's home game, auction bids were collected for the jersey of each Milwaukee Wave player. At the end of the game, the autographed shirt was literally taken off the back of each player and presented to the highest bidder.  (Interestingly, all season long, only two bidders accepted the Wave's offer to launder the jerseys before claiming their prize!)

In the inaugural year of this program, the Milwaukee Wave raised over $40,000, providing a wave of hope for the MACC Fund, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Go Pink!, the Autism Society, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/American Diabetes Association, the Ronald McDonald House, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Special Olympics and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Thanks to the Milwaukee Wave's generous owner, Jim Lindenberg, the Wave of Hope will continue this philanthropic program during the 2011/12 season, helping Wisconsin children live fuller, healthier and more productive lives. 

Hopefully, the Milwaukee Wave's Charitable Jersey Program will encourage and inspire other professional athletes and sports teams to be philanthropic pillars in their own communities.