The two Sounders are hoping to raise money for the local Ronald McDonald House by donning the traditional Scottish get up.
Anyone who has spent any amount of time around the Sounders FC can tell you that if there is one thing that rivals their passion for soccer, it is their passion for the community.
Last week, Brad Evans joined together with Roger Levesque and put that passion to work in a new staple in Seattle’s spring events – the Ronald McDonald House “Men in Kilts” campaign. Evans and Levesque donned traditional Scottish kilts, posing for a photo series in full Highland garb while toting old-style weapons like a broadsword and a small knife called a sghian dubh. And while Evans and Levesque are known for what they do with their feet, they were mixed in their confidence in their ability to handle the weaponry well.
“I was nervous that I was going to hit somebody else. Not for my own safety,” laughed the ever-jovial Levesque, who retired last year after ten seasons with the Sounders to pursue his Master’s degree at the University of Washington.
“I’m pretty good in the kitchen, so I’m used to sharp knives,” smiled Evans.
Running until April 12, the campaign is designed to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House through a voting system on the Men in Kilts website. This year, there are 12 participants in the fundraising effort, with four of those being teams of multiple local personalities. Each vote comes at the cost of a $25 donation, which covers the cost of one family staying at the Ronald McDonald House for one night.
Last year, Levesque received the most online votes, but donation-matching efforts by some companies involved pushed other participants higher in the category of total dollars earned.
“It’s even better this year, since I can join forces with Bradley,” Levesque said. “It’s a great way to raise some money for the Ronald McDonald House with different people coming together and it’s just a great way to support the local community.”
Among the other personalities in this year’s fundraiser are Mariners broadcaster Dave Henderson, Seahawks offensive lineman John Moffitt and KJR Sports Radio hosts Jerry Brewer, Ian Furness and Jason Puckett.
Levesque has a tall task ahead of him if he wants to overtake the competition. However, he is confident that the addition of Evans to his team will push him over the top this year.
“Once the people of Seattle see him with his battle axe, with his sword, with his sghian dubh, I think it’s going to go well,” he said.
On Saturday, April 13 at Georgetown Brewing the King of the Kilt will be honored, along with the rest of the contestants. For tickets to the crowning event and to vote for your favorite kilted celebrity, visit http://www.meninkilts.rmhcseattle.org/
