Rays and Rowdies announce 2023 Week of Giving events

Beginning on Monday, December 11, the Tampa Bay Rays and Rowdies will share the magic of Rays baseball and Rowdies soccer with a week of holiday donations and events for local nonprofits and families in need this holiday season.

Monday, December 11

• Rays and Rowdies front office staff will be volunteering at the Metropolitan Ministries Tampa residential campus from 2-5 p.m. Here, they will be assisting with preparing meals in the kitchen, receiving donations in the clothing warehouse, aiding clients at the Metro Market pantry and supporting teachers in the Promise Land childcare center. Metropolitan Ministries is a nonprofit aimed at caring for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and instill self-sufficiency.

Tuesday, December 12

• In partnership with Univision, toys from the annual Rays and Rowdies front office toy drive will be dropped off at the Hispanic Service Council at 3:45 p.m. for them to distribute to the families and community they assist. Following the drop-off, Raymond will join Rays and Rowdies staff to serve dinner to those that visit the center that day. The Hispanic Service Council serves as a resource hub for migrant parents offering workshops and essential support.

Wednesday, December 13

• The Rays and Rowdies, along with Good Sports, will be donating sports equipment to the baseball, softball and soccer teams at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, FL beginning at 2:30 p.m. Good Sports drives equitable access in youth sports and physical activity by supporting children in high-need communities to achieve their greatest potential, on the field and in life.

Thursday, December 14

• Staff members from the Rays, Rowdies and Bayfront Health will be assembling care packages for military members overseas during the holiday season at Tropicana Field starting at 1:00 p.m. For this event, the organizations are partnering with Operation Military Matters, led by high school senior and founder, Graci Tubbs.

Friday, December 15

• Family Support Services of Pasco and Pinellas Counties and the Rays and Rowdies Foundation will host 25 families finalizing their adoptions at Tropicana Field. It will occur during Enchant Christmas, the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Village, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Following the adoption ceremonies, Enchant Christmas will provide families with early admission to its event to celebrate becoming forever families.

Monday, December 11 – Friday, December 15

• All week, various departments from the Rays and Rowdies front office will be volunteering with Feeding Tampa Bay at their Trinity Café locations. The organization is covering eight shifts across five days at both the Pinellas and Nebraska (Hillsborough) locations, with a total of 150 volunteers. These shifts will take place every day throughout the Week of Giving. Feeding Tampa Bay aims to change lives one meal at a time by leading our community in the fight against hunger.