The Los Angeles community is one of many across the globe that are 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, and to show our love and commitment to the city we call home, our LAFC partner Captain Morgan has pledged an initial donation of at least $55,000 (US) to the LAFC Foundation’s Black & Gold Community Fund.
Coinciding with this week’s MLS Unites programming, supporting those in need, the donation to the Black & Gold Fund is part of Captain Morgan’s initial pledge of $500,000 (US) 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 LAFC, to facilitate an initial donation of at least $55,000 (US) to a charitable organization of the clubs’ choosing, 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.
Established by the LAFC Foundation, the Black & Gold Community Fund is designed to directly support the LAFC community, including ticketed members working in essential roles and the small businesses surrounding Banc of California Stadium that have been impacted by COVID-19. The Fund is intended to offer a range of free resources including financial assistance, access to free protective gear, fresh produce and pantry items.
“We thank Captain Morgan for this generous donation to the Black & Gold Community Fund,” said LAFC President & Co-Owner Tom Penn. “We are committed to being a force for good in our community, now more than ever. With the support from Captain Morgan, we are able to offer critical support to members of the LAFC community who have been impacted by this pandemic. Thank you Captain!”
“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 LAFC 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 (US) up to an additional $50,000 (US) on top of the initial pledge of $500,000 (US) to assist MLS communities affected by this crisis.
LAFC 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.
