Two Rochester organizations have teamed up to help raise awareness and funds for local families facing cancer with two family-oriented sporting events.
On Saturday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m., the Oakland County Football Club (OCFC) will host more than 20 families sponsored by the New Day Foundation for Families at a minor league soccer game held at Stoney Creek High School. A halftime ceremony will honor the families and help to build awareness of New Day Foundation for Families, a charity that helps ease the emotional and financial burdens of families facing cancer. To donate $1 per ticket to New Day, purchase tickets online for $7 in advance at www.oaklandcountyfc.com and use the promo code “NewDay.” Tickets are also available at the gate for $10; mention New Day and OCFC will donate $1 per ticket.

Oakland County Football Club
Then, on Saturday, September 10, at 9:00 a.m., New Day Foundation and the OCFC will also host a New Day 5K Fun Run at Rochester College. The event will raise funds to provide immediate financial assistance to local families during cancer treatments, including help with mortgage payments, groceries, gas and more. Register by August 27 and receive a free “Couch to 5K” training program through Starting Line Health and Fitness in Rochester Hills, as well as an event t-shirt. Discounted early registration is available through July 23 for $30 per person and includes an event t-shirt and training program. Registration from July 24 – August 27 is $35 and also includes the t-shirt and training program; late registration August 28 – September 8 is $40; and event day registration is $45. To register for the New Day 5K Fun Run, visit www.foundationforfamilies.org/new-day-5k.
The race route runs past Lake Norcentra and other beautiful spots along the 80-acre Rochester College campus overlooking the scenic Clinton River in Rochester Hills, Michigan. On race day, registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the New Day 5K begins at 9:00 a.m.
NEW DAY 5K REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Early Registration July 1 – 23 : $30 (includes t-shirt & training program)
Registration July 24 – August 27 : $35 (includes t-shirt & training program)
Late Registration August 28 – September 8 : $40 (includes t-shirt if available)
Event Day Registration September 10 : $45 (includes t-shirt if available)
Registration website: https://www.foundationforfamilies.org/new-day-5k/
Teams can also participate and fundraise for the New Day 5K. Participants can start their own fundraising team using the New Day 5K CrowdRise page at www.crowdrise.com/NewDay5K. Share your story, upload a video (you can make from your phone), and email all your friends to spread the word. Let’s run together to have a powerful and positive impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families.
“We’re pleased to partner with local soccer stars from OCFC for two, fun family events,” said Gina Kell Spehn, executive director and co-founder of New Day Foundation for Families. “We hope this partnership will create awareness for our mission to have a positive impact on treatment outcome and survivorship for cancer patients and their families. Crushing expenses, fear and stress do not discriminate when cancer strikes. Our programs reduce the devastating financial and emotional burdens that accompany a diagnosis. I know from personal experience that this kind of support can change everything for the better.”
“OCFC’s long-term vision is to create a community-supported semi-professional soccer club sponsored by both local and regional organizations, which will give back to the residents of the community and serve as a model for youth soccer clubs,” said Nicole Griffith of the OCFC.
New Day Foundation for Families, a 2016 Top-Rated NonProfit by GreatNonprofits and Silver Level Guidestar organization, is a Rochester, Michigan, nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the effects of financial toxicity and emotional stress caused by cancer. Their programs are intended to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes and survivorship. New Day offers financial grants in the form of short term bill payment services, as well as emotional support programs for families who have children under the age of 18 in the home as they face the burdens that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The Oakland County Football Club is a semi-professional soccer team dedicated to providing a remarkable on-field product as well as an unforgettable game day experience. OCFC will strive to bring high-level soccer and entertainment to Oakland County and surrounding communities. Additionally, we aim to create a game day experience unlike any other that will cater to every audience, both youth and adult. Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is our home.
Starting Line Health and Fitness is the official training partner of New Day. Coach Chip Werner and his staff will provide training programs to help every runner succeed, from beginners to elite athletes.