PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC announced their Community MVP awards for the 2017 season at the annual Stand Together Banquet on Sunday evening at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. These awards were given to the individuals who made a significant impact in the community, committing their time and efforts through the clubs’ community platform, Stand Together.
Proceeds from the Stand Together Banquet will continue to help drive the Timbers’ and Thorns’ charitable initiatives that showcase their diverse community through the support of elementary education, youth activity and wellness, and environmental awareness.
Timbers Community MVP – Diego Valeri
Midfielder Diego Valeri was been an integral part of the community efforts of the Portland Timbers throughout the 2017 season. Valeri has taken a position of leadership in responding to the needs of the community, supported natural disaster relief efforts both locally and nationally, assisted with the Timbers visitation room for foster care children at the DHS offices in Beaverton, and also helped unveil the new Fields for All futsal Courts at the Boys & Girls Club in Rockwood. Valeri inspired local youth to read each day at bilingual reading events at Irvington Elementary School and the Hillsboro Library. Additionally, Valeri has participated in numerous postgame meet-and-greets with the Children’s Cancer Association, Special Olympics Oregon athletes and all-stars.
Thorns FC Community MVP – Adrianna Franch
Goalkeeper Adrianna Franch was invaluable in Thorns FC community events during the 2017 season through the club’s Stand Together platform and was recognized as Thorns FC Community MVP. Franch has been a consistent, inspiring and positive leader, engaging with local youth during Stand Together Week and devoting additional time to several of the club’s community partners throughout the season. She participated in three projects during Stand Together Week, helping to beautify Hartley Elementary School, planting flowers and creating a garden space at Kateri Park and promoted positive playground culture with Playworks at recess. In addition, Franch brought laughter to the local youth Boys & Girls Club on Red Nose Day, helped unveil the Thorns FC visitation room for foster care children at the DHS offices in Beaverton, attended the opening of the new Fields for All futsal courts at the Boys & Girls Club in Rockwood and fixed up new homes for families in need with Willamette West Habitat for Humanity.
