Character, community, conditioning and commitment: these are Play Rugby USA’s four pillars, and on Thursday, June 14, the organization’s fifth annual cocktail benefit, supported by Perseus Telecom (amongst others), will continue to grow its inner city youth rugby programs.

Founded in 2003 by Mark Griffin (formerly of Barclays, RBS, and the USA Rugby youth program), Play Rugby, Inc. employs a social enterprise model–a unique setup that uses the power of business to drive social good. While Play Rugby, Inc. sells unique rugby training sessions, classes, coaching clinics, rugby gear and equipment, its profits are used to help support its nonprofit arm, Play Rugby USA.

With programs that partner up with public schools through curriculum-based integration, Play Rugby USA injects a heavy dose of quality into its offerings, using its global network to recruit top coaching, program development, and overall support. By using rugby’s inherently team-oriented, character-building aspects, the program has succeeded in providing a strong backbone for urban kids who may not have anywhere else to go after school. Currently, Play Rugby USA has a strong presence in each of New York City’s five boroughs, teaming with partner organizations while earning its status within the city’s Department of Education as a verified vendor, working within physical education and after school initiatives.

And so, on Thursday, June 14, Play Rugby USA’s supporters will gather at advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi’s event space on 375 Hudson Street, where the 5th Annual Rugby Cup Benefit will raise funds for its initiatives from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. A full open barsponsored by beverage giant Diageo and hors d’oeuvres from Provinceboite will be in play, as will a silent auction and awards for program participants. Tickets to the event start at $100 per person, with $150 charged for a special VIP reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to meet British Consul General Danny Lopez.

To purchase tickets to this event and for additional information, visit Play Rugby USA’s website.