IL1 Syracuse Mets

Chiefs Partner with ALS Association to Cover All Bases

Published on July 2, 2009 under International League (IL1)
Syracuse Mets News Release


Syracuse, NY - The Chiefs will partner with the local chapter of The ALS Association at their July 4th home game at Alliance Bank Stadium to support the efforts of the "Covering all the Bases®" campaign through discounted tickets, incentive prizes, raffles, promotional items and a reading of Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech. Gates open at 6:00 PM, the game starts at 7:00 PM.

The ALS Association's Upstate New York Chapter launched the "Covering All the Bases® Hitting Challenge" during Major and Minor League Baseball's "4ALS Awareness" charitable initiative that commemorates the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous "Luckiest Man" farewell speech as he battled the disease that ultimately took his life.

The "4ALS" initiative will culminate in an array of activities at Major League and Minor League ballparks across America on July 4. The initiative is designed to educate the public about the progressive, neurodegenerative disease ALS and raises financial support for research into the causes and cure for ALS.

"People with ALS and their loved ones are hoping for no less than a slugfest on July 4th because each hit potentially represents thousands of additional dollars that will be invested into our state-of-the-art, global research efforts as we also help local patients live better lives today," said Katharine Loomis, executive director of the Upstate New York Chapter.

Chiefs players and coaches will wear special hats on Saturday that feature a red, white, and blue Chiefs logo. The hats will be autographed and included in a silent auction that will begin during the game and continue online at Whistlestop Auctions on SyracuseChiefs.com.

In addition, Level 200 Reserved Seat tickets can be purchased for $7 each (regular price $10) from the Upstate New York Chapter of the ALS Association. A raffle will be held during the game to win a framed picture of Gehrig that also includes a piece of a bat used by Gehrig. Proceeds from the silent auction, the discounted ticket sales, and the raffle will benefit the Upstate New York Chapter of the ALS Association.

"We are pleased and honored to continue our partnership with The ALS Association," stated Syracuse Chiefs General Manager John Simone. "This organization is doing incredible work throughout Upstate New York to serve the needs of people living with ALS and their families, while raising awareness and fighting for a cure. Working with The ALS Association to honor Lou Gehrig and all people stricken by this devastating disease is a natural fit for the baseball community."

"The ALS Association commends the Syracuse Chiefs for partnering with us in one of the most important ALS awareness campaigns ever undertaken," adds Loomis. "We are keeping our fingers crossed that official scorekeepers will be extra busy on July 4 penciling in hits."

In the "Covering All the Bases" program, baseball fans and supporters of the fight against ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, can make a pledge for each hit made by their favorite Major League Baseball® or Minor League Baseball™ team. Funds raised from this campaign will support ALS Association chapter patient services programs, research, advocacy, education and public awareness. Incentives such as ALS Association commemorative pins, caps, T-shirts and Lou Gehrig prints will be given to donors based on their level of giving.

To participate online, visit the "Covering All the Bases" campaign Web site at www.alsa.org/coveringallthebases or by mail by contacting the chapter. For discounted tickets and information about other promotions at the July 4th game, visit The ALS Association Upstate NY Chapter website at www.alsaupstateny.org.

ALS causes the progressive death of the motor nerve cells that operate muscles, robbing the brain of its ability to initiate and control movement. Approximately 30,000 Americans have the disease, for which there is no cure, and can expect to survive on average two to five years from the time of diagnosis unless ventilator support is chosen.

The ALS Association is a non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig's disease on every front. Through global research, providing assistance for people with ALS from a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers (like the one at SUNY Upstate Medical Center), and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

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