Sofia Huerta Auctioning Off Gear for Charity
OL Reign forward Sofia Huerta is auctioning off one of her signed game-worn USWNT jerseys and a signed pair of cleats to benefit The Loveland Foundation, which aims to make therapy more accessible for black women and girls. The auction and charity drive, which will run through Monday, June 15, has already raised over $12,000 for the charity.
In addition to the items for auction, the winning bidders will each have the opportunity to have a 20-minute video call with Huerta. For those who do not wish to bid on the items, Huerta has also promised to personally send a signed photograph for anyone who sends her a screenshot of a donation of over $20 and includes their address when they do so.
Huerta, who is Mexican-American, said she was moved to organize the auction by the ongoing protests around the country against systemic racism and structural inequality.
“I’m Mexican, but when you look at me, I think I look white to a lot of people,” Huerta said. “I’ve been feeling pretty emotional the last few weeks. My heart was really heavy and I felt a lot of guilt because I didn’t feel like I knew what has happened in the past with systemic racism and how it still exists and how it’s not going to go away easily because of all of its history. The last couple days, I’ve been thinking ‘I have this platform, I know I have a few fans who I think would buy a jersey and cleats of mine,’”
The opportunity to improve access to mental healthcare is a cause that is close to Huerta’s heart.
“There were so many foundations and organizations I thought about donating to,” Huerta said. “I did a lot of research, but the Loveland Foundation really spoke to me because I’m someone who thinks mental health is really important. I’ve had my ups and downs, had friends and family members who have dealt with mental health issues. I understand the importance of it and how therapy and counseling can really help anyone change their perception of life and the trajectory of their life. When I saw this foundation, I thought ‘this is perfect.’ I believe in their mission and I want to do my part to help a black woman or girl who doesn’t have the funds to afford therapy to help them in any way.”
Huerta, who admitted some initial apprehension about how the effort would go, says the response has been overwhelming.
“Soccer fans are the best fans,” Huerta said, grinning. “They always want to interact with you. They’re so supportive. In a time like this, I know that people want to help but I don’t know if they know how. I think that they understand the general idea of how to help, but if you make it easy for someone, they’re 50 times more willing to support a cause. That happened to me personally, where I saw people I knew supporting a fund or cause and I donated because they made it so easy. That was my idea. ‘I’m going to make this as easy as possible and hopefully people will jump on board.’ That’s what’s made this so successful, because soccer fans are the best fans. It’s such a great community and I was really thankful.”
Huerta made history by becoming the first woman to play for and against the U.S. Senior National Team after filing a one-time switch from Mexico in 2017. Her national team jerseys are prized possessions. With seven caps to her name, Huerta was at first reluctant to let one go.
“I don’t have very many,” Huerta said. “Initially, I was hesitant to give one up because I only have a couple. But then I decided ‘you know what? This is more important. If that’s the one that’s going to sell for the most, I’ll give that one up.”
As her fundraiser continues to raise money, Huerta hopes her effort will serve as an example for others.
“I hope that this encourages other athletes to do this,” Huerta said. “I’ve learned that we really do have such a platform. If they’re feeling nervous about doing something like this they shouldn’t be, because it’s going to be well-received. We do have fans as part of our clubs. If you want to raise money, I think this is a good idea.“