COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland men's and women's soccer programs will partner with the VOYCENOW Foundation for the fourth annual Maryland/VOYCENOW Run for Equality set to take place Saturday, Feb. 10. The two organizations will also collaborate with the Dream BIG Foundation.

The Maryland soccer teams will participate in a 5K run at Ludwig Field on Feb. 10, as the programs attempt to raise $10,000. A virtual event, donors are encouraged to run, bike or walk wherever and whatever distance they can, but are not required to do so. 

Since the inception of the Run for Equality, Maryland Soccer and VOYCENOW have raised over $31,000 to support local students. 

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Supporters have the option to donate freely or donate as a sponsor of any of Maryland's men's and women's soccer players. Any donation of support is greatly appreciated and 100 percent of donations will directly support the growth of youth programming throughout Maryland. 

The event will partner with Parichute to accept donations. Parichute is a free social crowdfunding platform that connects athletes and fans with vetted nonprofit organizations and has served as a key asset for VOYCENOW's fundraising efforts over the years.  

Donations to the event will support the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in the greater Washington D.C. area and Annapolis/Anne Arundel County, the Prince George's County Boys and Girls Clubs and the Cherry Hill district of Baltimore. 

"I am so excited that the Run for Equality is back for a fourth year," Maryland men's soccer head coach Sasho Cirovski said "We now have a sustained track record of success with this event and the impact of the donations has been felt all over our local community. It is a pleasure to have Meghan and her program back on board with us and to once again partner with VOYCENOW. I am so proud of what Zack and Alex have done with that organization and the lives it has changed all over the world.. We appreciate any support for this initiative from our Maryland fans and beyond." 

"I am proud to once again partner with Maryland men's soccer and VOYCENOW in this extraordinary opportunity to give back to the Prince George's County, Washington D.C., and Baltimore communities," Maryland women's soccer coach Meghan Ryan Nemzer said. "Zach Steffen and Alex Crognale do an amazing job with the work they do to raise awareness for the fight for equality, and I am honored to be able to assist in their mission. The entire Maryland women's soccer program is excited to be a part of this event."

"It is amazing to see the impact the Run for Equality has had since 2021, and both Alex Crognale and I feel that this year will be the best year yet," VOYCENOW Co-Founder Zack Steffen said. "To stay so connected to the soccer programs and the university as a whole, and to be able to physically see the positive impact this partnership has throughout the community just keeps us motivated for years to come."

The VOYCENOW Foundation: The VOYCENOW Foundation was founded in 2020 by professional soccer players and University of Maryland Men's Soccer alumni Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids, MLS) and Alex Crognale (Birmingham Legion, USL). VOYCENOW envisions a world where resources and opportunities are not determined by where you live, your family's income, or the color of your skin. Backed by a growing community of professional athletes and fans worldwide, VOYCENOW has raised over $200,000 to advance education and athletic opportunities for underserved youth, and is currently supported by national organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For more information on VOYCENOW, visit voycenowfoundation.org.

Dream BIG works with Baltimore's Cherry Hill community and Baltimore City Public Schools to help develop, fund, and enable best-practice, pre-K through young adult learning. With help from you, Dream BIG, and many others, Cherry Hill is creating a high-quality cradle-to-college-and-careers educational pipeline so that its young people can choose their own path to healthy, happy lives.

Use of Funds: VOYCENOW remains committed to providing new opportunities on the field and in the classroom. To date, the Run for Equality has raised over $31,000 with 100% of funds supporting our beneficiaries shared mission of elevating the young minds in the greater Maryland community. Funds raised through the 4th annual Run for Equality will directly support local youth development organizations doing critical work for young people in Maryland and DC. VOYCENOW and University of Maryland Men's and Women's Soccer Teams are thrilled to partner with Dream BIG Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis and PG County Boys & Girls Club.