COLORADO RAPIDS UNVEIL NON-PROFIT "COMMUNITY CARE FOUNDATION"

Kickoff Luncheon Set For April 3 In Denver

DENVER (Wednesday, February 9, 2000) - The Colorado Rapids today announced the formation of the "Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation," a not-for-profit, charitable organization. The new foundation will serve as the charitable arm of the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. The Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit created out of the Colorado Rapids' desire to further the organization's charitable presence throughout the state.

The foundation will strive to promote and encourage underprivileged children to participate in activities, such as soccer, as a means to build character, improve self esteem and to develop interpersonal and leadership skills.

"Entering our fifth year as a franchise, we are now in the position and have the ability to seriously begin giving back to the community that has so welcomed us," said Colorado Rapids general manager and foundation president Dan Counce. "Our players and organization have been very active in charities up to this point, but now we are forming this foundation to take that commitment to the next level."

Prior to the launch of the foundation, the Colorado Rapids organization has been heavily involved in charitable activities through its community relations efforts. The Rapids are a constant supporter of charities, as well as growing the game of soccer in Colorado, through several channels including player appearances, merchandise donations and supporting several large and small community-based events.

The first phase of the establishment of the foundation will be a fund-raising period, which will comprise much of the year 2000. Once that phase has been completed, the foundation will begin accepting and processing grant requests.

The fund-raising phase will begin with a kickoff luncheon on April 3, 2000, in Denver (for more information, please see below). From that point, the foundation will hold several events throughout the year, often capitalizing on Colorado Rapids home games at Mile High Stadium as a means to continue its mission.

The Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation is also planning several events throughout the year which will benefit other not-for-profit organizations. Several of these events may also revolve around Colorado Rapids home games and events.

KICKOFF LUNCHEON SET FOR APRIL 3, 2000:

The Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation Kickoff Luncheon is set for Monday, April 3, 2000, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Denver.

A celebrity MC and keynote speaker will be the subjects of exciting announcements in the near future. Already scheduled to speak is Denver resident and President of the United States Soccer Federation, Dr. Robert Contiguglia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE COLORADO RAPIDS COMMUNITY CARE FOUNDATION AND TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE KICKOFF LUNCHEON, PLEASE CALL RICK MERRIAM AT (303)299-1598 OR BEN GROSSMAN AT (303) 299-1573.

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