Please be advised that the PHILADELPHIA SOUL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, though an extension of the community service agenda of the Philadelphia Soul, is an independent 501(c)(3) charity and, as such, will continue to operate despite the suspended season.

While the AFL works towards its solutions to its financial concerns, we at the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation will continue to work on solutions to the issues of poverty and homelessness to which we are dedicated. Thank you for your continued support.

Below is the official announcement released by the Arena Football League.

AFL SUSPENDS 2009 SEASON
Courtesy: Arena Football League
Release: 12/15/2008

NEW YORK — The Arena Football League Board of Directors will suspend the 2009 season subject to agreement and cooperation with the Arena Football League Players Association while the League works on developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model.

“Every owner in the AFL is strongly committed to the League, the game, and, most importantly, the fans,” said Acting Commissioner ED POLICY. “Owners, however, recognize that, especially in light of the current unprecedented economic climate, the AFL, as a business enterprise, needs to be restructured if it is to continue to provide its unique brand of this affordable, fan-friendly sport.”

The Board of Directors conducted a meeting via conference call Sunday night and voted in favor of a motion to suspend the 2009 season. Columbus Destroyers co-owner and vice chairman of the AFL Executive Committee JIM RENACCI was asked by the Board of Directors to spearhead the restructuring process.

“Ownership truly appreciates Acting Commissioner Policy’s steady hand and stewardship in what has been a challenging time for the AFL,” said Renacci. “Our owners will work in conjunction with Policy to develop a plan that ensures the future of the AFL.”

“We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan-friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere,” said JON BON JOVI, co-owner of the ArenaBowl champion Philadelphia Soul. “These are trying economic times. The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in the years to come.”

“Our involvement with the Arena Football League was always geared toward promoting football on a year-round basis,” said Dallas Desperados owner JERRY JONES. “Our experience with the Desperados has accomplished those goals and has been very positive. As we move forward we will explore all of the options that are available in regard to the future of the AFL and the Desperados.”

After 22 seasons, the second-longest tenure of any U.S. pro football league, the decision to suspend the 2009 season was not made lightly. AFL ownership has conducted multiple meetings over the past several weeks, discussed numerous options and concluded that this decision is in the best interests of the 16-team AFL and its fans.

“As a four-year owner of the Georgia Force, I have enjoyed our affiliation with Arena Football. In addition, our club is very proud of its leadership position in the league in many areas on and off the field,” said Georgia Force owner ARTHUR BLANK. “We want that to continue for our fans, so we support the decision to focus our energies on securing the long-term success of the Arena Football League.”

“Although it is disappointing to suspend the 2009 season, the Arena Football League and its owners feel it is essential to reevaluate the current business model to ensure the livelihood of the AFL in the future,” said JOHN ELWAY, Co-Owner, CEO Colorado Crush.

“We remain grateful to the greatest fans in the world for their avidity and their patience. It is with them in mind that the AFL, its owners and its players remain committed to resuming play as soon as it is feasible,” concluded Policy.

“In these difficult times, this commitment is more important than ever,” Saturn dealer Carl Galeana says at the dedication of the first house to be finished. “This community needs us and we need each other.

“Obviously it is not a great time for the auto industry, but it’s not the time to pull back; it’s time to reach out.”

Five months ago, GM, 10 Saturn dealers and their staffs – and even some customers – joined with Habitat for Humanity and others to begin building the 2-story homes on the east side.

They are in an area that is being transformed with new affordable housing for low-income residents. The residences replace decaying houses, similar to several that still exist nearby.

“This block was scary this summer, but look at it now,” Galeana tells Ward’s, pointing to the Habitat houses and several others like it built through similar projects. “Before, there were pit bulls tied to poles outside decaying homes and people living in houses that looked abandoned.

Saturn and Detroit-area dealers helped build this house and four others on city’s east side.

“This city will come back. You can’t give up on a community when times are tough. That’s what this is all about.”

GM and Saturn dealers not only provided funding for the houses, they also helped in the actual construction, under the guidance of Habitat for Humanity builders.

“We had managers, sales people, office staff and customers out here swinging hammers, some for the first time,” says Michigan dealer Pat Moran, owner of Saturn of Fort Gratiot in Port Huron and Moran Chevrolet in Clinton Township.

“It is typical of Saturn to help like this,” says Roderick Gillum, GM’s vice president-corporate responsibility and diversity. “It’s the legacy of the brand to get involved.”

Saturn is assisting in building 15 similar homes in Philadelphia and three in Colorado. All the projects are in conjunction with rock star Jon Bon Jovi’s Soul Charitable Foundation.

“Without Saturn and its retailers stepping up in these dark times, we would not be here giving light to five homeowners,” says the foundation’s Mimi Box.

Sherrell English and her two daughters will move into the completed house. Habitat offers long-term, no-interest mortgages to the homeowners, who themselves must provide 650 hours of “sweat equity” helping in home-building projects.

“It makes you feel so good when you are giving to others like that,” English says. “I’ve made some new friends and it’s inspired me to do more.”

Helping construct her home is Tom Harrison. A customer of Saturn of Clarkston (MI), he learned about the project from the dealership.

He says GM’s generosity towards such worthy causes is particularly striking in light of the lack of humanity shown the day before by some Washington lawmakers who opposed a federal bridge loan to domestic auto makers.

“I’d like to bring that (Sen. Richard) Shelby guy up here and show him what the Detroit auto industry does for those in need,” Harrison, standing in the living room of the new house, tells Ward’s. “Bring him right to this house.”

Moran wouldn’t want to be part of that visit.

“I don’t want him or any of those other senators in my state,” he says. “What I’d have to say to them is unprintable.”

Auto sales may be at record lows this year, but they haven’t disappeared, Moran notes. “Business is not that bad. Customers come in every day. They buy every day.

“Our problem is perception,” he says. “The customers that come in say, ‘I’m surprised to see other buyers here; I thought I’d be the only one.”