Community

On the field, Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy has come to the aid of his teammates more than once when they’ve struggled to defend opposing attacks.

Off the field, Kennedy is doing the same, coming to the aid of cancer-stricken children as one of seven MLS players who work as ambassadors for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“It’s an honor,” Kennedy tells MLSsoccer.com. “I remember growing up and looking up to professional athletes. Sometimes I don’t see myself like that, but I realize that kids respond to us. So I go to hospitals and see how bad things can be, and I marvel at how happy these kids still are when they’re fighting like hell. To give them a little bit of a distraction and a little bit of inspiration is an honor.”

For their work with the Memphis-based St. Jude, the seven MLSers — Kennedy; Chicago’s Logan Pause; San Jose’s Mehdi Ballouchy, Shea Salinas and Jason Hernandez; and New York’s Kenny Cooper and Rafa Márquez — have been named MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarians of the Month for September.

Article by Greg Lalas. Read more.

Our MLS clubs have gone above and beyond in the community this week running successful fundraisers and events, like the Chicago Fire's White Party. Toronto FC front office and players spent 12 straight days in the community giving back through their TFC/TWELVE campaign while the Portland Timbers completed building a soccer field at a local high-school. The Dynamo launched the 2012 Bald is Beautiful campaign and the Revolution will partner with Taylor Twellman on a fundraiser while the Rapids continue to give back to their fans. These are just a few of the highlights from this week.  Check out all of the incredible stories from the community...

Toronto FC volunteers at Toronto Humane Society

Chicago's White Party raises $40,000 for Fire Foundation

Toronto FC players help Not Far From The Tree

Union ready for River Cup

Revs, Twellman team up for bartending fundraiser

Lucky day to be a Rapids fan at training

Rapids players make an impact on one aspiring youngster

Stand Together Parkrose High School Field Dedication

LA Galaxy's How Suite It Is! tickets on sale

Houston Dynamo, Dynamo Charities launch 2012 Bald is Beautiful campaign

Toronto FC and Team Up Foundation's KickStart Free Soccer Clinic

Philadelphia Union host blood drive with American Red Cross

Montreal Impact raise close to $20,000 for PROCURE

Toronto FC KickStart Your Community

Sporting KC Hosts Military Appreciation Night

San Jose Earthquakes XFINITY Clinic Series

Philadelphia Union River Cup Ramps Up

Red Bulls Support Reyna Run 2012

New York Red Bulls Visit Street Soccer USA tournament

Chicago Fire White Party Sold Out

Toronto FC Visit First Responders

Toronto FC Fighting for a Cure

Nixia SC visits Sporting Kansas City

Toronto FC and MLSE Team Up Foundation Massive Group Effort

Colorado Rapids: Fire Department defeat Police in Battle of the Badges

For more community news from around the League, visit the MLS W.O.R.K.S. news section.

With the Olympics in full swing, the MLS clubs deserve a gold medal for their work in the community. Take a look at this week’s club highlights:
 
KL Cares and Kicks Extreme Summer Soccer Event only a couple days away
 
Davis honored to earn humanitarian award
 
Brad Davis named MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month
 
L.A. Galaxy Players to go Back-to-School Shopping at Macy’s Culver City
 

For more community news from around the League, visit the MLS W.O.R.K.S. news section.

MLS clubs continue to make a difference in their communities this week. The Colorado Rapids honored victims of the Aurora tragedy and continue to raise funds for Help Colorado Now while the Timbers partnered with Aston Villa to visit with the Children's Cancer Association. The Philadelphia Union have been busy hosting the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game and partnered with MLS W.O.R.K.S. on a community service project in Chester and D.C. United raised $40,000 at the United Celebrity Golf Tournament. Sporting Kansas City players showed their love for animals by supporting the Great Plains SPCA and the New York Red Bulls raised awareness for Street Soccer USA.  It's all here in this week's club highlights:

Colorado Rapids jersey auction to support HelpColoradoNow.org underway

New York Red Bulls raising awareness of the Street Soccer USA National Cup

Friendly Partnership: Portland Timbers and Aston Villa players visit with Children's Cancer Association kids

Stand Together: Timbers and Aston Villa with Children's Cancer Association

Sporting Kansas City players, pets and posters

Rapids, Swansea, fans honor victims of Aurora tragedy

Philadelphia Union Foundation and partners construct playground

Special Rapids t-shirt on sale to benefit Center for Crime Victims

United Celebrity Golf Tournament raises more than $40,000

Colorado Military Appreciation Night

For more community news from around the League, visit the MLS W.O.R.K.S. news section.