Tod & Linda White from Newport Beach, CA recently supported us with a donation that will help provide infrastructure for 3 years. Because of the White’s generous donation we were able to move into our very first office in Santa Ana, CA. Below is an interview to shed light on why Tod & Linda became connected to Pure Game as donors.

How did you get involved with Pure Game?

Tod White: I was working with the Orange County Community Foundation to identify nonprofits that were doing great work in the community and were in start-up mode. Todd Hanson and Carl Ferguson recommended Pure Game so my wife and I went to a Field Tour where we were able to observe the program. We were impressed with the way Pure Game used soccer as a vehicle for teaching character traits and character skills. They were providing an affirmative environment for the kids and seemed to be doing great work.

What attracted you and your wife to Pure Game’s cause?

Tod White: Todd & Carol’s enthusiasm made us very interested to learn how Pure Game was helping kids. We work with other organizations like the Wooden Floor that use other vehicles to help kids develop good life skills. We also liked that the program was developmental rather than competitive.

Why did you decide to donate to Pure Game?

Tod White: We were impressed with the commitment, passion and ability of Tony, Chris & the leadership team. The kind of help they needed seemed so obvious…to get a real office. When we met them they were holding meetings at Starbucks.

What impact do you hope your donation will have?

Tod White: We hope that Pure Game stays around for the long haul so they can continue to help kids. Pure Game is a start-up organization and that usually means there is trouble getting traction and growing. We hope our donation will allow them to focus on growth, to establish more partnership and evaluate how they are doing.

Has anything surprised you from working with Pure Game?

Tod White: I was a little surprised about the gang environment in the Jerome Park area – the kids just can’t go out and play and need a fair amount of supervision. It’s sad that parents feel uncomfortable and they can’t send their kids out to play. Hopefully Pure Game can bring some of these different neighborhoods together in a more cooperative kind of way.

In your opinion, what is the most important work Pure Game does?

Tod White: Helping kids build character, self-esteem and self-confidence. I also think the teamwork skills they teach kids is also important.

What do you wish others knew about Pure Game?

Tod White: If everybody knew the impact Pure Game has on kids and they could feel the commitment & passion of Pure Game’s leadership, I think they would be impressed.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating to Pure Game?

Tod White: I would recommend that they attend a Field Tour to meet some of the kids and meet Pure Game’s leaders. It is not only a worthy cause but it is in fact making a difference. I hope the some of the donation we provided can help Pure Game develop evaluation tools to measure their impact.