Racing Louisville FC and star Jaelin Howell have partnered with Down Syndrome of Louisville to host the first-ever Racing BFF Dance on Saturday, July 22, and they’re looking for community help in staging a great party for the members of DSL.
Howell, Racing and DSL will collect donated items as part of the party planning effort. Down Syndrome of Louisville needs help with Clorox cleaning wipes, disposable cutlery and markers, but everything from decorations and gift cards for families in need to a photo booth and red carpet is welcome.
Community members and fans may donate items in a variety of ways: at Gates 1 and 5 at Racing’s next two home games at Lynn Family Stadium – Friday, July 7, and Friday, July 21 – or at Louisville City’s home games on July 8, 12, 15 and 19; or by dropping them off at the Lynn Family Stadium Team Store on the Cabel Street/northeast side of Lynn Family Stadium during store hours (8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday). If you’re interested in donating food products or flowers for the dance, please contact Stephanie Burdorf at sburdorf@loucity.com.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the Racing BFF dance,” Howell said. “The partnership we’ve created with DSL is so special to us. We hope this dance will not only be a great experience but also help to bring awareness and resources to DSL itself. Racing players and staffers are so excited to share this night with DSL members and people with disabilities. It is very important to this team that we continue to reach out and help our community.”
“Jaelin Howell and Racing Louisville are once again showing their heart for the community with this partnership with Down Syndrome of Louisville,” said Carly Riggs, the engagement director at Down Syndrome of Louisville. “We went with this fun theme for the dance because we feel like our friendship with Racing Louisville continues to get stronger with each opportunity they present, and who doesn’t want to dance the night away with your best friends?”
Howell’s work with Down Syndrome of Louisville is part of her ongoing partnership with DSL. Howell and Racing will host DSL Night at the Sept. 15 match at Lynn Family Stadium, followed by a soccer clinic for DSL members two days later. DSL members also have served as honorary captains at Racing home games this year.
The Racing BFF Dance is a celebration of Howell, Racing and DSL’s partnership and Racing’s sponsorship of the Boogie Down Crew, an 11-and-up dance team that performs more than 30 times a year at DSL and community events. DSL also held Kindness Warrior Training for Racing Louisville players and staffers.
DSL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The organization earned a prestigious Gold Certificate of Accreditation from Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action in 2016, becoming the only Down syndrome association in the country to receive the accreditation.
DSL’s mission is “to support, educate and advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, thus enabling them to reach their full potential.”
Howell, 23, was selected by Racing as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft after becoming one of only five players in NCAA Division I soccer history to win back-to-back national player of the year awards. She was a fixture in Racing Louisville’s young lineup during her rookie year last campaign, starting every game, and is the team captain in her second year as a pro. She has made five appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team and is among the top defensive midfielders in the NWSL.
