Once the initial shock of the tragic events two weeks ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut wore off, many Americans began wondering what they could do to help.

Chris Canetti, President of MLS’ Houston Dynamo, is doing his part by organizing an event called “Soccer Night in Newtown."

Canetti, who is a 1992 graduate of nearby Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut and whose hometown is Guilford, Connecticut, hopes the January 7 event will serve two purposes.

First, according to an interview he gave to Fox 26 in Houston, Canetti wants the event to provide a night of fun and diversion for the people of Newtown.

It'll be fan-festival type of event, taking photos, signing autographs. The idea is to give kids a chance to come out, have some fun, have some memories and take a diversion from the difficult realities that they're facing right now.

The second purpose, according to the Fox 26 story, is to raise money to help both the survivors and victims' families.

“Canetti said the Dynamo franchise has also established a charitable auction with proceeds going to the United Way Sandy Hook fund, which is helping pay for counselors and funerals and things like that.”

A link to the United Way’s page supporting Newtown can be found – HERE.

A link to the flyer for the event can be found - HERE.

Coming with Canetti from the Dynamo will be players Corey Ashe, Brad Davis, Ricardo Clark, Brian Ching and Tally Hall.

And, according to Canetti’s Twitter account, he has also received commitments from former USMNT star Alexi Lalas, former USWNT stars Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly and current USWNT captain Christie Rampone.

More to come on this event as it develops. My friend, US Soccer legend & ESPN analyst @alexilalas just confirmed attendance & participation.

I'm happy to announce that US Soccer legend Mia Hamm has volunteered to join us for Soccer Night in Newtown. Thank u Mia.

US Women's Soccer legend Kristine Lilly just confirmed her attendance at Soccer Night in Newtown. She is also from CT. Thank you Kristine.

Looks like USWNT captain Christie Rampone will be joining us at Soccer Night in Newtown on Jan. 7. The list of soccer celebs keeps growing.

The event is being coordinated with Quinnipiac University, Quinnipiac men’s soccer coach Eric De Costa and local WPSL club CFC Azul.

While nothing can reverse the damage already done, it is heartwarming to see the American soccer community coming together to do what they can to help.

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