One Night One Goal Raises More Than Half a Million Dollars for DC SCORES

DC SCORES celebrated another successful One Night One Goal fundraiser at Audi Field, raising more than $500,000 to support local Poet-Athletes across the District.

Nearly 300 guests gathered for the annual event, including community leaders, alumni, parents, and Washington Spirit and D.C. United professional players — all united by a shared mission to empower young people through DC SCORES’ soccer, poetry, and service-learning programs during out-of-school time. The organization, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, now serves students at 68 schools throughout Washington, D.C.

With the generous support of attendees, DC SCORES will continue working toward its vision of reaching every young person who needs its programs, providing safe, creative, and joyful spaces for kids to thrive, express themselves, and lead healthy lives.

The evening was co-hosted by Washington Spirit forward Ashley Hatch and Washington Wizards In-Game Host Britt Waters, with welcome remarks by DC SCORES Executive Director Katrina Owens. Guests were also treated to live performances by America’s Got Talent semifinalist and virtuoso drummer Malik DOPE and DC SCORES’ own Chief of Arts and Culture Charity Blackwell, who performed a freestyle rap. 

Across Audi Field’s club level and stadium seating, attendees mingled, shared stories, and bid enthusiastically on auction items. Each guest had the chance to take home a personalized handwritten haiku, a signature nod to DC SCORES’ roots in poetry and creative expression.

The live auction brought high energy and even higher bids, with items designed to thrill any soccer fan. A private Washington Spirit training session and an Ashley Hatch coaching experience inspired such excitement that two of each were awarded. Other exclusive packages included a fieldside suite to a D.C. United match, a chance to walk out on the field with D.C. United players, and a fine-dining experience with Washington Spirit Head Coach Adrián González. Washington Spirit players joined in to cheer donors as bids climbed higher and higher, ranging from $1,500 to $7,8000.

The silent auction featured autographed jerseys, cleats, and soccer balls from soccer stars, along with experiences from some of the biggest arts organizations in the DMV.

Throughout the night, DC SCORES’ Poet-Athletes remained at the heart of the celebration. Poetry written by elementary and middle school students was displayed across the venue and performances from DC SCORES poetry slams played on Audi Field’s video board, reminding guests of the creativity and confidence the organization fosters in every participant.

In closing remarks, Board Member Jen Hsin reminded attendees that from creating joy on the field, to building confidence on the poetry stage, DC SCORES empowers every young person who needs the organization, creating a future filled with holistic, healthy individuals. She encouraged attendees to “come one, come all,” and be part of the lasting change DC SCORES continues to inspire.