The season feels like it is in full swing! The schedule is all set (minus Champions League) with the Manchester United friendly added during the summer time! Gorilla FC has had a ton of support from new members this year, and it’s been a blast meeting everyone at the first couple of games.

JAPAN BOWLING BENEFIT UPDATE

We had a great benefit in March for the Japan Red Cross relief. You can see a video of the news coverage on the Sounders FC website here. All together, our collective efforts with Garage Billiards and Sounders FC brought in approximately $3,500 for the relief. Way to go Gorilla FC!

REQUEST FOR GORILLA FC TALENT AND HELP

As a collective, we count on the “collective” effort of our entire membership whenever possible. If you have an idea, skill, benefit, etc. you can bring forward to the organization, please do so by either talking with a Gorilla FC captain or send an email to gorillafc@gmail.com. Gorilla FC captains always encourage more involvement whenever, and wherever possible. Many thanks!

PORTLAND BUS TRIP UPDATE

We are ecstatic about our bus trip to Portland to take on the Timbers! Even more so that our bus trip is completely sold out and will be carrying pumped up and enthusiastic Gorilla FC fans to PGE Park! If you need more information regarding the trip, please talk with Kevin Zelko or send off an email to gorillafc@gmail.com

GORILLA FC 2011 KIT AND A NEW SWEATSHIRT DESIGN

If you have not taken the time to purchase your Gorilla FC 2011 kit, you can purchase one at any time either in person or from the Gorilla FC e-store. Kits are $30 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger) and include a 2011 scarf, t-shirt and membership card. Additionally, Keith at Method Designs has created a brand new design for the 2011 sweatshirt. The new sweatshirts can also be found at the Gorilla FC e-store and will be $35 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger, then an additional cost will be added).

SPECIAL THANKS TO JASON YOUNG

This man is a machine! Not to mention that he is quite the social butterfly! Jason does a ton of great work spreading the news about Gorilla FC events and anything else that happens to represent the collective. If you find yourself being an excellent “social butterfly”, then you should try to work alongside Jason to strengthen our communication lines even further than they already are!

GORILLA FC IS SHOPPING……

Our collective is looking and shopping for two specific things:

One, Gorilla FC needs an ID card printer as the captains have grown weary of outsourcing this part of our collective and would like to have their own. The card printer must print double-sided cards and be able to print in color. We have also thrown around the idea of outsourcing our ID card printer (once obtained) go other organizations as a means to raise money and help offset the cost in the long run. Any help would be most appreciated!

Secondly, Gorilla FC wants some large flags! We have many Tifo creation sessions, but we are always looking for large flags. If you can design them or them manufactured…we are interested! Section 120 and abroad will always looking better with more Tifo!

TWITTER AND FACEBOOK???

With many new and returning members, we want to make sure that our members are connected. We encourage our members, both returning and new, to follow Gorilla FC on Twitter @ GorillaFC and on Facebook.

FEELING FANCY??? CHECK OUT THE MASQUERADE WINE COMPANY!!!

Masquerade Wine Company is a boutique Washington winery from Bellingham that makes artisan, award-winning red, white, and sparkling wines from the great Northwest. Try our Champagne-style sparkling wine, “Effervescing Elephant” featuring label artwork painted by an Asian elephant, with proceeds benefiting Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project and their work to support the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned and abused Asian elephants.

Masquerade’s proprietors, Bill & Jennifer Kimmerly, both Sounders FC season ticket holders and Gorilla FC members, wish the Seattle Sounders FC, their fans, and members of Gorilla FC and exciting season of MLS soccer in our quest for our first MLS Cup and defending our US Open Cup. You can find our wines at many fine wine shops and restaurants throughout the metro Seattle area, or order on-line at www.masqueradewines.com. Enter the promo code “GorillaFC” when ordering on-line to receive 10% off any order, or 20% off any case or more order throughout the MLS 2011 season. Free delivery to your home or business in metro the Seattle area. Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MasqueradeWines or Twitter @MasqueradeWines).

UPCOMING SOUNDERS FC SCHEDULE

As a reminder, please remember that Gorilla FC is moving our away viewings/gatherings to different partner bars. See our site for addresses if you need them. GFC Members get discounts with membership cards!

4/9/11 – Home Match – Chicago Fire – Pre-Party at Fado 10:30 am & 1:00 pm Match Time

4/16/11 – Away Match – Philadelphia Union – Auto Battery on Capitol Hill – 1:00 pm Match Time

4/22/11 – Away Match – Colorado Rapids – Summit Public Ale House on Capitol Hill – 6:30 pm Match Time

4/30/11 – Home Match – Toronto FC – Pre-Party at Fado 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm Match Time

Gorilla FC will be at Fado in our normal room off to the right upon entry.  GFC members get Mac N Jacks and other beer special and Pearl Vodka and wine at HH prices.  Should be a good way to start the Saturday night and see the Sounders smash San Jose.  We will have 2011 membership kits there for pickup and purchase.

Fado is giving away 2 tickets and spots on the GFC bus to the away Portland match in July 10.  Everyone who comes to Fado that day will be given a raffle ticket and must stay until the drawing.   This bus is soldout.  So get them here.

You have made it to the third MLS Sounders season! Gorilla FC is excited and amped as ever! March is packed full of action and events. Come party with us and celebrate spring, football season and friends. We also have a fundraiser to support in March as well as the first Cascadia Cup! If you have not already seen it, the 2011 schedule is posted on our website at http://www.gorillafc.com/game-schedule/ Civ cannot wait till the action begins!

Get your Portland GFC Bus Tickets here!  We also have ticket only.  These are for Gorilla FC Members only!  http://www.gorillafc.com/products-page/

GORILLA FC 2011 KIT AND A NEW SWEATSHIRT DESIGN

If you have not taken the time to purchase your Gorilla FC 2011 kit, you can purchase one at any time either in person or from the Gorilla FC e-store. Kits are $30 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger) and include a 2011 scarf, t-shirt and membership card. Additionally, Keith at Method Designs has created a brand new design for the 2011 sweatshirt. The new sweatshirts can also be found at the Gorilla FC e-store and will be $35 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger).

GORILLA FC FUNDRAISING FOR ST. BALDRICK’S AT FADO

Gorilla FC’s next fundraising event is the St. Baldrick’s event at Fado.   This is a Fado sponsored fundraiser to raise money for children’s cancer research on March 10th.  There are many ways to get involved.

1. Join the Gorilla FC Baldrick’s team, in which you will shave your head for the cause.  If you want to get signed up, go to:  http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/68896 and join us.  Then you need to get sponsors to donate for your goal.
2. Donate money at the event on March 10th at Fado via the raffle which will have great Sounders items and other items.
3. Sponsor a shavee by donating at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/68896
4. Go to the Fado event page for more info:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=135257816535504&index=1

SOUNDERS KICK OFF THE 2011 SEASON WITH THE CASCADIA CUP

Cascadia Cup is the first event for the Sounders during the 2011 season. It will be held at the Starfire Sports Complex March 4th-6th. Gorilla FC will be going to the Whitehorse (“ahem” – for good parking and cheap drinks) before the games. On Friday, it will be the Sounders versus the Timbers with a meet-up time of 4 pm at the Whitehorse. Saturday at 1 pm is a Supporter’s Summit of all the Northwest Supporters groups discussing some great topics in our NW rivalry. Sunday, it will be the Sounders versus the Whitecaps with a pre-party at 1 pm at the Whitehorse.

GOT ANY PLANS FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY???

Fado will be giving free entry (usually a $20+ fee just to get in) to Gorilla FC members with their membership cards. Go party hard to bring in the Irish holiday. GO GREEN BEER…..OR WATER!

MEMBERSHIP CARDS ARE PRINTED

Gorilla FC’s 2011 membership cards have been printed! We have printed up some credit card-like membership cards for our members this year. Each one will have your name printed on them and you should must present your card prior to ordering at any of our partner establishments. You can pick yours up from a captain at any game, Sounder’s or Gorilla FC event. If you paid to have your kit shipped to your residence, your card will be shipped out to you unless you notify us to do otherwise.

UPDATE ON PARTNER BAR SPECIALS – ELYSIAN

Elysian Brewery is giving Gorilla FC members some great special this year AT ANY TIME! That’s right! Not only will you get specials during the Sounders game, but at any time so long as you present your membership card prior to ordering. Bring and show your GFC membership card to get $1 off Elysian pints any time! They are also having Taco Tuesday from 4-6 pm and normal Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm and 9-11 pm. Brunch is also available at Tangle Town Saturday and Sunday. To find out more information, check out their website at http://elysianbrewing.com/

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES FOR GORILLA FC

• March 4th – 6th: Cascadia Supporters Summit @ Starfire Complex
  • March 4:
    • Summit opening @ 7 pm
    • Seattle Sounders FC vs Timbers @ 7:30 pm
  • March 5:
    • Supporters Summit & Coaches Forum from 12-1 pm
    • Timbers vs Whitecaps @ 5 pm
  • March 6:
    • Sounders FC Academy U18 vs Whitecap FC Residency
    • Seattle Sounders FC vs Whitecaps @ 3 pm
• March 7: 2nd Annual Kick-Off Luncheon @ Qwest Field
• March 9: Charity Shield Match – Seattle Sounders FC vs Colorado Rapids @ 7 pm
• March 15: First Kick!!!! Sounders vs Galaxy – Pre-party with us – Fado @4 pm
• March 19: Sounders vs Red Bulls – Away Game – Auto Battery @ 430 pm
• March 25: Sounders vs Dynamo – Pre-party with us – Fado @ 4 pm

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASCADIA CUP!!!

Hello Gorilla FC Party Peeps!

Is everyone getting ready for the season to begin?!  The Front Offices from each club has asked for all supporter group leaders to pass along some information regarding this weekend’s matches.  Please read the notes below.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at pendlek@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook.

ALL GAMES:

• Sounders, Timbers, Whitecaps clubs and Starfire have worked very hard to coordinate the security for each game.
• Each team’s supporter groups will have their own entrance, bathroom and beer garden.
• All areas will be gated off with security around them so there should be NO reason to cross into those areas.  If you do cross into those areas this could mean ejection from the game and future consequences with the club.
• Security and police will be on-site with a few police officers directing traffic off-site.  They understand all supporter groups will be walking back to their cars off-site.
• If there is an incident each club will be informed and you may be denied entrance to First Kick or Sounders FC games.  This is NOT tolerated and you will not be welcomed at future Gorilla FC events.  As a Gorilla FC member you are an ambassador to our organization.
• Please do not bring smoke bombs, flares etc. as this is illegal in the City of Tuwkila and is warrant for arrest.
• Please travel in groups if you can.  If there is an incident please do not intervene.  Find a police officer, Starfire security guard, or Sounders FC staff member.
• If it there is an incident with a Gorilla FC member or members please find a Gorilla FC Captain:  Kevin Zelko, Katie Pendleton, Kjell Hansen, or Jason Young.

PORTLAND TIMBERS GAME:

• For the Portland game, the Timbers Army have around 350 ticket holders coming separately, and 2 buses of about 150 arriving at or around 5:30-6 pm.
• Security will be ushering the 150 Timbers Army bus members to their gate, and ushering the 350 separate fans as best they can.  They will have plenty of signage directing each group to their areas.
• After the game Seattle supporters should exit the stadium.  TA fans will be held in their area for about 20 minutes until most of the SSFC supporters have cleared.

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS GAME:

• For the Vancouver game, the Southsiders will have a bus (possibly two) coming on Sunday.  Arrival time and number of buses is TBD.
• Security will be ushering the Southsiders to their gate, and other fans coming separately as best they can.
• After the game Seattle supporters should exit the stadium.  Southsider fans will be held in their area for 20 minutes until most of the SSFC supporters have cleared.

Parking is limited so please carpool if you can, $10 at Starfire and $5 off-site.  Looking forward to seeing my Sounders family this weekend and pre partying at Whitehorse!  SCARVES UP SEATTLE!

Katie Pendleton

GFC Development Director

Fundraiser starts at 4pm
Events Include: Head Shaving, Silent Auction & Raffle

Gorilla FC is signing up shavee’s to help raise money.  You can sign up at:  http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/68896 
If you don’t want to shave your head you can still show your support by attending the event or donating online.
Last Year we raised nearly 40,000, so this year we have set our goal a little higher at $50,000

All proceeds got to the St. Baldricks Foundation
Sign up for the event or Donate here:
http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/fadoseattle

St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long & healthy lives.

Come join us for the first Gorilla Membership Drive on Saturday, 1/29 at 530-730!

Big thanks to all the GFC members and people who have supported Gorilla FC and the Sounders to make it a great year!

KEEP SINGIN’ FOR MELISSA – FIGHT AGAINST BRAIN CANCER

December 3rd at Conor Byrne in Ballard at 7 pm. $15 entry with all money going to Melissa’s cause and some great raffle prizes from a ton of places and services!

TOYS FOR TOTS FUNDRAISER AT FADO

December 8th, Fado will host a Toys for Tots fundraiser starting at 6:30 pm. Gorilla FC, Fado, and the US Marines will be present along with a raffle, prizes, a silent auction, pub quiz, and live music with Justin and Ronan. Come support this great cause!

RENEW YOUR GORILLA FC MEMBERSHIP FOR 2011

The new scarf is ordered! You can prepay for the 2011 membership on the GFC website through PayPal. This year’s membership comes with the new 2011 scarf, a membership card, a Gorilla FC t-shirt and all the discounts at our partner establishments.

WANT TO TRY AND SIT WITH GFC FOR THE 2011 SEASON?

If you would like to try and move your tickets to the Gorilla FC section in 120, you will need to email Gorilla FC and let us knw.

NEW YEAR’S WITH FADO

New Year’s Eve Party at Fado Irish Pub! Party favors, a champagne toast and entertainment by DJ Raf. The best part is……no cover for GFC members!

ST. BALDRICK’S FOUNDATION

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation returns with the support of Fado in their fight against childhood cancer by holding a fundraiser in early March. Individuals raise money and show their true support by getting their head shaved at the event.

NO SOCCER TO WATCH THIS WINTER??? NO PROBLEM!

EPL, Celtic, and Barcelona games are shown live at Fado! Have something to take your mind off the fact that we have no Sounders games until March……until then, Go Sounders Go!

MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS??? CONTACT SHAWN ANDERSON

Want to rejoin Gorilla FC for the upcoming 2011 season??? Looking to join Gorilla FC for the first time??? Take five minutes and fill out the 2011 Gorilla FC Membership Form and email it to Gorilla FC so we can process your informaiton Thanks!

GORILLA FC MEMBERSHIP FORM – 2011 SEASON

I AM/WE ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING ABOUT THE FOLLOWING:

____Events ____Membership ____Adult League Soccer ____TIFO/Chanting

Name: Mr./Mrs./Ms./Miss ___________________________________________________

Partner/Spouse: Mr./Mrs./Ms.________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________________________

City/state/Zip: _____________________________________________________________

E-mail:____________________________________________________________________

2011 Season Ticket Seats: Section __________ Row __________ Seat(s) ___________

Shirt Size (Mandatory and Included in Membership Dues):

____ S ____ M ____ L ____ XL ____ XXL

Toys for Tots Fundraiser 12/8/10 6:30PM

Join Gorilla FC and Fado from 6:30 – 9:30 for our annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser with the U.S. Marines. We’ll have raffle tickets and prizes, a silent auction during Pub Quiz and live music with Justin and Ronan! Come out and support this great cause!

Match 24: Sounders FC vs. Real Salt Lake at Qwest. Preparty at Fado at 5:00. Kick-off at 8:00.

Seattle will be playing 2009 MLS Cup winners at Qwest. GFC members get discounts on drinks. GFC memberships are available. Come get yours!

GFC will meet at Fado at 4 pm to pre-party with a slacker march at 7 pm. Go CIV!

Gorilla FC will have the last bunch of memberships available for pickup.