Threshers, Morton Plant Mease Raise More Than $30,000
Published on August 20, 2008 under Florida State League (FSL1)
Clearwater Threshers News Release
CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Clearwater Threshers did their part Friday night to help strike out breast cancer. Joining with Morton Plant Mease in hosting the third annual Pitch for Pink, over $30,000 was raised for the Susan Cheek Needler Breast Center and the Morton Plant Mease Foundation.
"Pitch for Pink has become such a great event with 2008 being the most successful yet," said Amanda Warner, Pitch for Pink Coordinator. "The money raised and the awareness generated about the battle against breast cancer has increased each year."
More than 5,000 fans headed out to Bright House Field on Friday, August 8 in support of the cause. The team wore special pink jerseys for the night and literally gave fans the shirts off their backs following the contest. The game-worn jerseys were part of a silent auction that raised over $13,000.
Items from the auction that generated the most funds for the cause included a bat signed by Philadelphia Phillies star Jimmy Rollins that raised $385, a jersey signed by Rollins' teammate Ryan Howard that raised $600, and a reclining leather sofa that raised $935.
The team honored 75 brave women who have battled and survived breast cancer with a pregame lap around the field. The large crowd in the stands as well as the players who stopped their pregame warm-ups to applaud the survivors treated the ladies to a standing ovation. In addition, the first 1,000 ladies who entered the park were given replica pink jerseys that were sponsored by Banquet Masters.
The evening was a great victory in the fight against breast cancer in large part because of the support of over 115 businesses that donated items for the auction along with purchasing ticket packages for the game.
"We simply could not have had such a successful event without the continued support of local businesses in our community," added Warner. "Those who have been with us in this cause since the first year and those who just came on board this season - we appreciate them all."
Several particular businesses and individuals were vital to the night's success including Costco, Hassell Florist, and Balloon Productions' Rick Weil. Karen Conroy of Fundraising for a Cause also played a huge role as she donated items for the survivors' goodie bags and all of her proceeds on merchandise she sold at the park that night.
Mayor Frank Hibbard of Clearwater extended a message of gratitude to those involved.
"Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Pitch for Pink event. The Phillies continue their generous philanthropic efforts and remain respected corporate citizens who strengthen our community," the mayor said.
The Susan Cheek Needler Breast Center, located in the Powell Cancer Center at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, opened in February 2002. The Breast Center features a calming atmosphere, making a visit to the center as peaceful as possible for patient.
The Clearwater Threshers hold community outreach in high regards and strive to have a positive presence within the Clearwater area. The Threshers are the Class A Florida State League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies who have made Clearwater their Spring Training home for over 60 years.
Florida State League Stories from August 20, 2008
- Hammerheads split double dip - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Miracle fall, 9-7 - Fort Myers Mighty Mussels
- "The Dean" Report - 8/20/08 - Jupiter Hammerheads
- Threshers, Morton Plant Mease Raise More Than $30,000 - Clearwater Threshers
- Tropical Storm Fay rains out Mets and Cardinals - St. Lucie Mets
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
