Cards consistent in pitching in for community

ST. LOUIS -- The achievements and impact of the Cardinals went well beyond the diamond in 2017, as the organization once again rallied to support numerous charity organizations and community projects through hands-on work and monetary donations.
Cardinals Care, the organization's philanthropic arm, raised approximately $537,000 through the 50/50 raffle and auctions, both of which took place during home games at Busch Stadium. That money was distributed to help a variety of projects and causes in the region.
In July, Cardinals Care dedicated its 23rd youth baseball field, this one in Decatur, Ill., and named in honor of Dexter Fowler. The outfielder personally contributed $100,000 toward the construction of the field.
The Cardinals also gave out more than $330,000 to 170 non-profit organizations through their grant program, and they presented Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog with a $24,000 donation for his foundation to conclude the #CardsRatPack fan engagement campaign.

Many Cardinals alumni returned to St. Louis to participate in the 28th annual Ted Savage RBI Golf Classic, which was held in June. Proceeds from the event benefited the RBI program and the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club.
Several current players stepped up with their own charitable efforts as well.

Compelled to help after seeing the hurricane devastation in his hometown of Houston, Matt Carpenter pledged $10,000 for every home run he hit over the final five weeks of the season. Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals matched that pledge, and Cardinals Care created the Hurricane Harvey Children's Relief Fund, which allowed fans to donate as well. Those donations, along with Carpenter's home runs, raised more than $192,000 for the American Red Cross.

For the fifth consecutive year, Wainwright hosted his Big League Impact Fantasy Football fundraiser to benefit Cardinals Care, Operation Food Search of St. Louis, Crisis Aid International and Big League Impact's Global Initiative Fund. Kolten Wong partnered with former teammate Jason Motte to raise money for Cardinals Care and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital through a cornhole challenge competition. And Carlos Martínez continued the work of his foundation, Tsunami Waves, by hosting various local charity events.
Five players -- Stephen Piscotty (Piscotty's Pals), Wainwright (Wainwright's Winners), Martinez (Tsunami Waves), Fowler (Fowler's Friends) and Trevor Rosenthal (Trevor's Troops) -- participated in the organization's player ticket program last season. These players donated their time to meet with underserved youth from the St. Louis area prior to home games and also provided the children with T-shirts, food and drinks during the game.

The Cardinals Wives hosted two grab bag fundraisers that brought in nearly $60,000, and they held their annual Wives for Wishes fundraiser to raise money for Make-A-Wish Missouri. This annual event has allowed the local Make-A-Wish chapter to grant 200 wishes over the years.
The Redbird Rookie program sponsored 19 leagues with 3,000 participants in 2017. The Cardinals also offered over 80 complementary school programs, distributed more than 40,000 tickets through the Community Ticket program, and enrolled nearly 2,000 students in the Summer Slugger educational program.
A Red Cross Blood Drive and Be the Match bone marrow registry drive highlighted the Cardinals' efforts to also assist those with medical needs.
The organization will wrap up its year of giving back with two additional events. The annual Cardinals Care holiday party, scheduled for Dec. 14, will give children from several area non-profits the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a gift.
On Dec. 6, the Cardinals and Cardinals Care will hold their sixth annual gift drive to support area youth and children of military families at Scott Air Force Base. Fans are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys or gift cards at the Busch Stadium Gate 4 entrance between 6 a.m.-1 p.m. CT. Those who make a donation will receive a gift from the Cardinals and complimentary hot chocolate.