Legacy Project with MLS & the Crew at Ronald McDonald House Columbus

By Sean McCaffery, December 10, 2020

Given that we have been to a few events, photographed a good number of them and brought the NY Cosmos out to the Ronald McDonald House of LI and a former photographer of SLIM, Mike Anderer is heavily involved with it, this is a great thing for us at many levels.

With the MLS Cup coming to Columbus Saturday evening, MLS Works, the charitable arm of the league and the Crew had the reveal of a newly done fitness room at the facility.

Frankie Hejduk, a legend and still fan favorite for the Crew and Crew Cat, team mascot were there along with a pair of families living there. Virtual messages from Zardes along with team exec. Steve Lyons were viewed.

$10,000 of workout equipment now fill the room from the league, team & AT&T, together with new towels, water bottles and sanitation station. The latest and greatest video monitor and sound system adorn the space for the fitness and mental health wellness aspects at the facility along with a Crew mural by Hakim Callwood, a local artist.

Dee Anders, CEO/Exec. Dir. RMHC of Central OH informed "We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of the Columbus Crew SC & MLS. The Crew is truly one of the very best. This room will provide a healthy outlet for the thousands of people who stay with us each year."

"Fitness Fridays" will have the Crew supplying weekly virtual training classes and programming on the app, then free lunches, the same were provided to all families presented by Crew Cat.

JoAnn Neale, MLS Prez. & CAO, told "Major League Soccer is proud to join forces with Columbus Crew to provide additional levels of support to patients and their families who are staying at the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. On behalf of our 25th MLS Cup, our commitment to positively impacting the communities where we play our games continues despite these challenging times, We hope the enhancements to the fitness room will help the health and well-being of the families staying at the facility".

In excess of 4,500 families utilize the facility, one of the biggest in the world, it affords those with need a free place to stay near to their ill children being treated locally. The revamping of this room keeps up the MLS & Crew's long term dedication here alive and well, a great impact keeping those using the space active, healthy and engaged.

"The Columbus Crew SC is dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. As part of our hosting the 25th MLS Cup in Columbus, we are excited to partner with MLS Works & AT&T. In support of the Ronald McDonald House's mission to keep families close during their time of need, the Crew's Fitness Room Renovation will provide a space for families to enjoy during their stay . The Crew is proud to provide this MLS Cup legacy to our community." So said Crew Ex. VP & Chief Business Officer, Steve Lyons.

The 25th MLS season comes to it's apex, with the MLS Cup 2020 with the Crew hosting the Sounders at MAPFRE. Pregame begins at 8 p.n. ET on FOX , UniMas/TUDN, TSN & TVA Sports.

Share: