Asheville -- July 1, 2026: Ashley Allen, co-executive director of Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe County, has been selected as one of four recipients of the 2026 MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes award, a regional honor recognizing nonprofit leaders who are making a measurable difference in communities across the Carolinas.
The annual Hometown Heroes program is presented by Major League Soccer in partnership with Black Players for Change and RBC Wealth Management. The initiative recognizes organizations addressing some of the region's most pressing needs, including literacy, education, health, and access to essential resources.
As part of the recognition, Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe County will receive a $15,000 grant from Major League Soccer to support its literacy programs. The grant will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, bringing the organization's total award to $30,000.
Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe County works to improve childhood literacy by providing volunteer tutoring, family literacy initiatives, culturally responsive educational resources, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. The nonprofit's mission focuses on helping children become confident readers while working to reduce race-based educational opportunity gaps throughout Buncombe County.
Allen and the other Hometown Heroes will be recognized during the fifth annual MLS All-Star Hometown Heroes Showcase on July 27 at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte. The event is part of the official activities leading up to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, which will feature Major League Soccer's top players against LIGA MX on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium.
Major League Soccer said the Hometown Heroes initiative celebrates nonprofit leaders whose innovative work creates lasting opportunities for youth and strengthens communities throughout the Carolinas.
The recognition also brings additional visibility to Read 2 Succeed's ongoing efforts to recruit volunteers, expand literacy programs, and build stronger educational outcomes for local children.
For Western North Carolina, the award highlights the growing impact of community organizations working to improve literacy and educational success—an investment that can influence students, families, and the region's workforce for years to come.
About Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe County
Read 2 Succeed Asheville/Buncombe County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving childhood literacy through one-on-one reading tutoring, family engagement programs, community partnerships, and volunteer support. The organization works to ensure every child has the opportunity to develop strong reading skills and succeed in school and beyond.