Union Supporters To Hold Charity Tailgate For Miles 4 MJ

September 10th's game between the Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers will feature an event of more importance than the three points that will be won or lost (or split) on the pitch at PPL Park.

A joint tailgate among the Sons of Ben, The IllegitimateS, The Corner Creeps, Tammany Saints, The BridgeCrew and traveling members of the visiting Timbers Army will provide money for the Miles 4 MJ charity. Sheanon Williams, the Union's starting right back, is one of the charity's supporters, championing the cause on Facebook and Twitter.

Miles 4 MJ is a charity that raises money for research and awareness about Neurofibromatosis. The following is a summary of what the disease causes, per The Illegitimates (who are at the forefront of Union fan support for the charity):

NF is a progressive disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. Complications from NF can lead to deafness, blindness, learning disabilities, bone abnormalities, cancer, and other serious complications. NF is more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, Duchene muscular dystrophy, and Huntington's Disease combined.

Tickets for the tailgate are available via the linked text here (brings you to Ticket Leap).

More information about the tailgate details after the jump.

Here's the official statement from The IllegitimateS on the tailgate:

It is with great excited that we annouce Section 133 - The ILLEGTITMATES and Kildare's Irish Pub are teaming up to raise money for Team Miles for MJ. The tailgate will occur on Saturday September 10th 2011 before the Philadelphia Union v. Portland Timbers match.

The event will include back to back live bands Jamison is one and the other is yet to be decided.

Alcohol will be BYOB, but food will be provided for all by Kildare's. Food items will include Beer Brats, Jameson Whiskey Wings, Pulled Pork and various other items.

Cost is $20 and at least 50% of proceeds will be donated back to Charity

Buses will be running from Kildare's West Chester and Kildare's Manayunk for $20 return with buses leaving at 1.30pm from each location.