The Twin Cites community is one of many across the globe currently facing a series of unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of MLS Unites, a league-wide platform designed to educate communities, entertain fans and elevate heroic efforts during the pandemic, Minnesota United FC (MNUFC) partner Captain Morgan has pledged an initial donation of at least $55,000 to Open Hands Midway of Saint Paul.
Coinciding with this week’s MLS Unites programming supporting those in need, the donation to Open Hands Midway is part of Captain Morgan’s initial pledge of $500,000 across the United States and Canada to assist local MLS communities affected by COVID-19. Captain Morgan is working with each of their nine local club partners, including Minnesota United FC, to facilitate an initial donation of at least $55,000 to a charitable organization of the clubs’ choosing, and we couldn’t be more excited to have IRS 501(c)(3) Open Hands Midway be the recipient of the donation. Each of the charities is focused on providing meals and relief to local COVID-19 frontline workers and community members in need during this difficult time. A full list of the organizations to which their donations are being distributed can be found here.
Open Hands Midway serves the Saint Paul Midway and surrounding area by leveraging contributors' gifts in providing a means to obtain nutritious meals, clothing, household goods, groceries and personal supplies, along with access to an array of community resources to those in need.
"Freely we receive, freely we give. This generous gift will allow us to share so much more than we could have imagined," said Kay Kuehn, Executive Director of Open Hands Midway.
“The world is going through challenging time, and we’re honored to work with Captain Morgan in an effort to support our local community and neighbors in any way we can,” said MNUFC CEO Chris Wright. “We’re proud of our partner Captain Morgan for making the commitment to support not only the Twin Cities, but communities across MLS as well.”
“Captain Morgan is proud and honored to be in partnership with Major League Soccer, and we remain committed to supporting this incredible league,” Captain Morgan, Vice President, Sam Salameh said. “During these challenging times, it’s important that we unite as a community and work to overcome this together. Captain Morgan is proud to be united with MLS and each of our partner clubs in an effort to bring relief to our club communities across the United States and within Canada.”
For MNUFC fans interested in getting involved in the relief effort, Captain Morgan will kick off The Captain’s Challenge on its Instagram channel (@CaptainMorganUSA) today Tuesday, April 21. The Captain’s Challenge will feature fans showing off their best nutmegging skills — that is, kicking a ball between someone’s or something’s legs. Don’t have a soccer ball at home? Feel free to get creative — a balled up pair of socks, a pillow, a roll of TP — almost anything will work. For those who live by themselves, it’s possible to nutmeg anything with legs, whether that be a table or chair. Captain Morgan will be taking select fan submissions and showcasing them alongside commentary from MLS legend Taylor Twellman.
For every qualifying video U.S. fans (21+) share to their public Instagram (in feed or stories) tagging @CaptainMorganUSA and including the hashtag #CaptainMorganDonation, Captain Morgan will donate $25 up to an additional $50,000on top of the initial pledge of $500,000 to assist MLS communities affected by this crisis.
MNUFC encourages all of our fans and fellow community members to join us, Captain Morgan and MLS to Unite for Those In Need. If you’re 21 or over, get ‘megging — we can’t wait to see what you’ve got. Please do it safely and responsibly: Captain’s Orders.
For more information on “MLS Unites,” visit mlssoccer.com/mls-unites.
The 2020 MLS season is currently suspended to help ensure the health and safety of our fans, players, coaches and staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please follow Minnesota United FC’s social channels and check our website mnufc.com for regular updates on the club and the season going forward.
