The Colorado Rapids are pleased to announce Kelly Koeun as the club’s 2020 Community MVP. Kelly was selected because of her work making masks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and her ongoing work in the handicapped community.
The following bio comes from Major League Soccer and Wells Fargo’s announcement of each team’s selection:
When the pandemic started, Kelly Koeun wanted to give back to her community and also find a way to help those with disabilities during this difficult time. As a master seamstress of 30 years, Kelly sewed and donated more than 1,000 high quality, filtered masks to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, along with their families and caregivers. The disabled community is of great importance to Kelly as her son Tyler, a former soccer player, was left paralyzed from the shoulders down due to a car accident several years ago. Tyler’s injury was also the inspiration behind Kelly’s business, Accessible Alterations, where she specializes in alterations for the handicapped community.
Kelly made masks for the Chanda Plan Foundation, Craig Hospital, local businesses, homeless shelters and various individuals who made requests.
“It’s just such an honor, and I am humbled to receive this Community MVP Award,” Kelly said. “For me, I don’t want the recognition, it’s just knowing that I am able to do something for my community especially when we were in need.”
Kelly was nominated by her son Tyler because of her tireless efforts to make a difference.
“We are delighted to have Kelly Koeun represent the Colorado Rapids as our 2020 Community MVP,” said Caitlin Kinser, the club’s senior director of community relations. “Kelly’s commitment to serving individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities is inspiring.”
As the Rapids’ Community MVP, Kelly selected a local nonprofit to receive a donation from MLS and Wells Fargo. Kelly selected the Home Builders Foundation, which was very important for her family after Tyler was paralyzed.
“Our home was not accessible,” Kelly explained. “So, Home Builders Foundation helped reconstruct our home entrance by building a ramp and widening our front door. At this time Tyler was sleeping in the living room, so Home Builders Foundation also suggested converting our garage into a bedroom for Tyler and use a quarter bathroom into a shower for easier access.
“I know this money means so much to them because now they can provide more to people that really need their service because every dollar that they receive is spread to so many people,” Kelly said.
If you are interested in getting a mask or another product from Kelly and Accessible Alterations, you can reach out to her on Instagram or via text message at (303) 829-6766.
