Major League Soccer today announced the 26 Community MVPs selected for making a positive impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, including local elementary teacher Brooke Wiens as Sporting Kansas City's representative.
Through the 2020 MLS WORKS Community MVPs Program presented by Wells Fargo, $65,000 will be donated to charity on behalf of each Community MVP, one representing each MLS club, for going above and beyond to serve their communities during these challenging times. Each Community MVP will receive a donation to a 501(c)(3) charity of their choice, a customized adidas Sporting Kansas City jersey and an MLS adidas 2020 NATIVO XXV match ball.
Wiens, who was honored as a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan in March 2018, has served the North Kansas City School District for more than 17 years as an educator. This year, her role as a teacher of English Language Learners at Crestview Elementary, the most diverse public school in the state of Missouri, took on increased importance amidst the challenging circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the transition to virtual learning.
Wiens' leadership and dedication was evident from day one as she embodied the school's motto of "whatever it takes." With more than 500 students no longer coming to school, Wiens built a bookmobile in the back of her vehicle to not only deliver books to their homes, but also to deliver instruction via socially-distanced tutoring and reading in their driveways.
Wiens has selected A Turning Point KC as the charity of her choice to receive a $2,500 donation from Major League Soccer and Wells Fargo. The local non-profit organization offers a wide variety of services for those in need, including community meals, support groups, a food pantry and clothing wardrobe, as well as adult education and uniform assistance programs.
"For the last eight years, the Community MVP program has shined a light on individuals who are making a difference in the lives of others," said Jen Cramer, SVP of Partnership Marketing for MLS. "Major League Soccer is proud to recognize the fans making a positive impact in our communities, especially during these challenging times."
“The Community MVP program is one of the highlights of Wells Fargo’s relationship with Major League Soccer because it’s an opportunity for anyone in the soccer community to be recognized for the important work they do,” said Nick Carey, Head of Sponsorships & Brand Engagement for Wells Fargo. “Since 2013, we’ve celebrated 147 Community MVPs and we’re especially excited to showcase 26 more this year.”
Visit MLSsoccer.com/CommunityMVP for information on all 26 recipients of this year’s Community MVP recognition.
ABOUT MLS WORKS
Major League Soccer is dedicated to addressing important social issues and improving communities where we live and play our games. Through MLS WORKS, the League’s social responsibility platform, Major League Soccer and its clubs seek to enrich the lives of those in need across the United States and Canada. To learn more visit MLSsoccer.com/MLSWORKS and follow @MLSWORKS on Twitter and Instagram.
