Maureen Krueger
Major League Soccer (MLS), Black Players for Change (BPC), and RBC Wealth Management announced the 2026 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes, an annual honor celebrating non-profit organizations and their leaders who demonstrate innovative approaches to serving individuals and communities with the greatest need across the Carolinas. Our own executive director, Maureen Krueger, was named as a recipient of this honor!
Each Hometown Hero will receive a $15,000 grant from Major League Soccer to support the mission of their respective organizations. The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation will match the $15,000 grants awarded to each of the four 2026 Hometown Heroes organizations.
Help us match the generosity of MLS and The Tepper Foundation by raising $30,000 in honor of our Hometown Hero, Maureen!
To make a corporate gift or a gift from your Donor Advised Account (DAF), please contact the ToolBank at charlotte@toolbank.org.
Maureen is honored to join three other amazing leaders as 2026 Hometown Heroes!
- Anderson Outreach – Alesia Fleming, Board Chair
- Two-Six Project – Janae Aiken, Director, Emerging Leaders Program
- Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe — Ashley Allen, Co-Executive Director
In addition, MLS will posthumously recognize Dr. Victor Kidd as the 2026 Honorary Hero. Affectionately known as “Vic”, he was a trusted collaborator and advocate for Major League Soccer, partnering with the league on numerous initiatives, including MLS Next, designing training programs for MLS Academies, and helping to co-create Playing as One, MLS’s flagship program dedicated to combating discrimination on and off the pitch.
Charlotte FC midfielder Brandt Bronico will serve as the official ambassador for the 2026 MLS Hometown Heroes program, continuing his commitment to advocacy and driving positive change across the greater Charlotte area.
Check back for more options to celebrate Maureen and the other Heroes during All-Star Week, July 27 – July 29, 2026!