City of Hope has joined forces with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer to launch an awareness and fundraising effort centered on diabetes. Called “Celebrate Hope,” the partnership aims to create a broader understanding of diabetes throughout the Los Angeles community, as well as raise money for diabetes research, awareness and treatment.

Arthur Riggs, left, and Chivas USA defender Carey Talley (Photo by Thomas Brown)

“Through its research and treatment, City of Hope is saving lives and improving the quality of life for persons with diabetes,” said Shawn Hunter, president and chief executive officer of Chivas USA. “It is an honor for Chivas USA to partner with such a fine organization in our ‘Celebrate Hope’ campaign. We look forward to accomplishing great things together in the future.”

The ‘Celebrate Hope’ partnership will include public service announcements with Chivas USA media partners that will air with all 2009 Chivas home matches. Stadium signage, public service announcements on the stadium’s Diamond Vision screen and a City of Hope information booth in the stadium’s fan zone will raise awareness about diabetes.

In addition, City of Hope will participate at several of Chivas USA’s upcoming “Chivas at the Park” clinics in Los Angeles County, as well as a health and wellness night focused on diabetes at an upcoming Chivas USA home game.

“We are grateful for the support from Chivas USA to help us raise awareness for diabetes,” said Steve Martin, associate vice president of marketing. “Together, we recognize a great need to educate the community about diabetes and to help City of Hope bring innovative lifesaving diabetes research and treatments to patients.