In 2010 MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative and Starlight teamed up to brighten the lives of hospitalized children through our Fun Center and Great Escape programs.
As part of the festivities surrounding the arrival of the championship trophy prior to MLS Cup 2010 in Toronto, MLS W.O.R.K.S., along with Dwayne De Rosario of Toronto FC, Jon Conway of the Chicago Fire and former MLS player Geoff Aunger, joined Starlight for the dedication of a Fun Center mobile entertainment unit at The Hospital for Sick Children.
The Fun Center’s unveiling was attended by more than 20 SickKid’s patients, who joined the players afterwards for autographs, arts and crafts and the opportunity to have their photos taken with the Philip F. Anschutz championship trophy. Additionally, MLS W.O.R.K.S. provided Starlight Canada with tickets to MLS Cup 2010 for several families to attend a Great Escape event that weekend.
The partnership between Starlight and MLS W.O.R.K.S. grew during the 2011 MLS Season with Fun Center sponsorships surrounding the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game, and a series of three Fun Center placements throughout the Bay Area in connection with the San Jose Earthquakes. During the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Week New York Red Bulls forward Luke Rodgers participated in a Fun Center unveiling at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack New Jersey. In San Jose, Earthquakes players Jason Hernandez, Bobby Burling, John Bingham, Jon Busch and Club Ambassador Kelly Gray helped to cut the ribbon on Fun Centers at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. MLS W.O.R.K.S. will also be sponsoring two Fun Centers in November in honor of MLS Cup 2011 in Los Angeles.
MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. For more information visit the website at www.MLSsoccer.com/works.
