Kelly Honda of Lynn presented Lynn Youth Soccer the program’s largest donation ever during a ceremony July 30 at the car dealership on the Lynnway.
Brian Kelly, president of Kelly Honda, gave the ceremonial $25,000 check to Marshall Hook, president of Lynn Youth Soccer, who accepted on behalf of board members, players, and coaches, including City Council President Tim Phelan, who is a coach in the program.
“Kelly Honda has given us a tremendous donation,” said a grateful Hook, whose children, Maggie and Henry, are youth soccer players. “And frankly it comes at a time for us when we really needed it. We try to operate with a reserve of money and that reserve was getting awfully low and this comes along at the best time ever.”
Hook said the organization’s biggest expense is maintaining the soccer fields at Hood Park.
“The fields are in the best shape in years and that does not come cheaply, but we think that it’s important for not only for the quality of play, but the safety of our players,” said Hook.
Kelly said he was pleased to assist the youth organization that serves more than 1,000 players, coaches, and parents in a year-round program.
“Anything we can do to help the youth of the city of Lynn, we’re all for it,” said Kelly, a father of three and grandfather of five. “We know things are expensive today running a youth sports program. We had a good year. The economy is picking up a little bit. Our sales are up so we figured a $25,000 donation was appropriate. Anything that keeps kids off the streets, gets them organized and having fun, how do you not want to be part of that?”