PRESS RELEASE: UTAH ROYALS FC AND AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION DONATE $10,000 TO THE GREAT SALT LAKE WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT TRUST
The donation marks a pivotal moment for partnership and collaboration to help Great Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY—Great Salt Lake scored big at the Utah Royals FC (the Royals) match on Saturday evening, as the team presented the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust (the Trust) with a donation of $10,000. The donation was made in partnership with America First Credit Union (AFCU).
The team and AFCU came together on the field to present representatives from National Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy, co-managers of the Trust, with a giant check during half time. This contribution will support the Trust’s mission to secure a healthy future for Great Salt Lake and demonstrates the Royals and AFCU’s commitment to local conservation efforts and environmental sustainability.
“Our organization is incredibly honored to represent the wonderful state of Utah,” said Club Vice President of Marketing Tyler Gibbons. “For us to be able to shine a spotlight on the iconic Great Salt Lake with the donation from America First Credit Union and the kit design defines what our club is all about. Community first.”
Marking a pivotal moment for Utahns, the professional soccer club’s decision to support efforts to conserve Great Salt Lake embodies the message that securing a healthy future for Great Salt Lake will depend on collective efforts and actions from communities and organizations across the state.
“This donation exemplifies the impact of collaboration and the importance of recognizing the role we all play when it comes to the future of Great Salt Lake,” said Marcelle Shoop, Executive Director of the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust and Director of Audubon's Saline Lakes Program. “We’re grateful for this generous donation from the Utah Royals FC and America First Credit Union. This funding will support the important work of the Trust, to aid in preserving the irreplaceable waters and wetlands of Great Salt Lake that support wildlife and Utah’s economy.”
"We're inspired by this contribution from Utah Royals FC and America First Credit Union, which shows how shared purpose can drive meaningful conservation outcomes. Great Salt Lake defines our landscape and supports our way of life, and we welcome these organizations' commitment to its future," said Elizabeth Kitchens, Utah State Director of The Nature Conservancy.
As spring snow fell at the close of the game, attendees and players alike were reminded of the ecological importance of Great Salt Lake, and the vast range of benefits it provides.
“Our headquarters and an outsized number of our members are nestled on or near the shores of the Great Salt Lake,” said Tammy Gallegos, chief strategic engagement officer at America First Credit Union. “We will always work to find ways to support communities and causes that matter — from the Royals to the lake. It’s a cornerstone value of our organization.”
While the Royals tied their match against Bay FC, the weekend marked a huge win for Great Salt Lake.
“We hope this donation and partnership encourages other Utahns across the state to consider the impact they can have for Great Salt Lake. We are an outdoor sport and community and we know the health of the Great Salt Lake is imperative to health of our state, our fans and our teams,” said Kyle Schroeder, Vice President of Community and Player Engagement.
Utah Royals FC: https://www.rsl.com/utahroyals/
Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust: https://www.gslwatertrust.org/
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Media Contacts:
Shaela Adams, Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust
shaela.adams@audubon.org; 385-355-4340
