Major League Soccer today announced the finalists for the 2017 MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest presented by Wells Fargo. The Grand Prize winner, as voted by fans, will be recognized on-field during halftime of the 2017 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 2, and will receive a $25,000 donation for their selected charity.
MLS WORKS and Wells Fargo recognize individuals who use soccer as a tool to make a difference in their community. Throughout June, MLS fans had an opportunity to nominate individuals who are helping to build better communities. Twenty-two finalists have been selected, one from each MLS club.
The Dynamo's finalist is Edgar Melchor, a volunteer at The FORGE for Families. After Dynamo midfielder Andrew Wenger ran his First Pass initiative at The FORGE this spring, Melchor has continued the after-school program teaching kids teamwork and accountability through soccer and classroom learning.
The finalists were selected for making a positive impact in one of the following areas:
- Social issues focusing on inclusion, diversity and equality.
- Health issues affecting men, women or children.
- Community service for a local, national or international charitable organization.
“MLS is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and play our games,” said JoAnn Neale, Chief Administrative & Social Responsibility Officer, MLS. “The Community MVP Contest provides an opportunity for us to support and recognize the efforts of inspiring fans who are devoted to impactful community work across North America.”
Each Community MVP finalist will receive two tickets to a 2017 MLS regular season match in their local market, a trip to MLS All-Star week in Chicago, and an additional $1,000 donation from Wells Fargo, among other prizes.
Fans are encouraged to vote by visiting the Community MVP Contest site (www.MLSsoccer.com/CommunityMVP) and using the vote or Tweet buttons for each finalist.
“We’re proud to present the MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest for the fifth consecutive year, and we salute all the nominees for their passion and support of local nonprofit organizations across the country,” said Gary Korotzer, Executive Vice President and Head of Marketing & Brand Strategy for Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo shares a deep commitment to supporting our local communities, and we believe when our communities thrive we can all be successful.”
