Cubs Charities announces "Let's Give" campaign

CHICAGO - This season, Cubs Charities will roll out a "Let's Give" initiative in conjunction with the organization's 2015 marketing campaign, "Let's Go." This yearlong charitable campaign will include Cubs Charities events, player fundraisers and programs benefiting the Chicago community. These charitable efforts will be highlighted in the team's community newsletter and on Cubs' social media platforms using the hashtag #LetsGive.

The campaign also will include Cubs players and associates engaging in community service projects throughout the season, which include programs aiming to increase access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Cubs Charities sponsors three ongoing Signature Programs to further this mission. The Cubs on the Move Fitness Program promotes a fitness plan and healthy eating campaign while encouraging kids to "Play Every Day." The Cubs Charities Diamond Project expands opportunities for children to play baseball by creating or preserving green space and baseball facilities. Finally, the Cubs Scholars program offers quality scholarship and financial contributions for Chicago area high school students, coupled with a program that promotes academic achievement and encourages post-secondary educational advancement.

On April 17, Cubs manager Joe Maddon will introduce his "Respect Community" charity T-shirt initiative. After every Friday home game this season, Maddon will represent a different Chicago nonprofit by wearing the organization's T-shirt during his post-game press conferences. Each T-shirt worn this season will represent a Chicago nonprofit supported by Cubs Charities.

The list of "Let's Give" Cubs Charities and player foundation events follows, with future events and appearances possible throughout the season.

2015 Cubs Charities "Let's Give" Events:

Bricks and Ivy Ball, April 8:

The annual Bricks and Ivy Ball is Cubs Charities' primary fundraising event. This year's Bricks and Ivy Ball will feature a fun '80s theme at historic Union Station. Chicago Cubs players, coaches, alumni, owners and management will be in attendance for an evening of musical entertainment, cocktails and dinner. Fans will have the opportunity to bid on unique live and silent auction items. Net proceeds will benefit Cubs Charities. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/bricksandivy.

10^th Annual Race to Wrigley Charity Run, April 25:

The Chicago Cubs will host the 10^th annual Race to Wrigley Charity Run presented by ATI Physical Therapy Saturday, April 25, outside Wrigley Field. In recognition of Race to Wrigley's 10^th anniversary, the Cubs will introduce an additional race, the "Let's Run Two" 10K. The course routes for the 5K and 10K will allow race participants to run through the streets of Lakeview before returning to the Friendly Confines. For more information, visit www.racetowrigley.com.

Annual Cubs Care Grant Luncheon, April 29:

The Chicago Cubs will team up with the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for the annual Cubs Care Grant Luncheon in the Audi Club at Wrigley Field. Cubs Charities and Cubs Care will grant money to nonprofit organizations serving those in need in the Chicago area. Last year, the Cubs and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation distributed more than $1.1 million in grants.

Cubs Charities Pink Out, May 11:

Cubs Charities, together with partner Advocate Health Care, will "Pink Out" the Budweiser Bleachers Monday, May 11. Each fan attending the game in the Budweiser Bleachers that day will receive a Cubs Charities "Pink Out" T-shirt to celebrate moms and women everywhere who are survivors and to promote breast cancer prevention awareness. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.

Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's Cook-Off for Cancer, May 14:

The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation will celebrate its third annual Cook-Off for Cancer, which will feature upscale versions of ballpark food prepared by notable Chicago chefs and served by Cubs players at Revel Downtown. Guests will vote for their favorite chefs and dishes by tipping their Cubs server. Tips and event net proceeds will benefit pediatric cancer research as well as provide support to children and their families battling the disease. For more information, visit www.cubs.com/cook.

Jake Arrieta Presents Catch in the Confines, June 13:

Families, friends and fans of all ages will have the opportunity to spend 50 minutes playing catch in the outfield, visiting the batting cage and chatting in the dugout during this year's Catch in the Confines at Wrigley Field. Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta will host a meet and greet with all participants as well as take photos and sign autographs. Tickets for the event benefit the Cubs Scholars program, which gives deserving students the chance to receive a college education. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.

Kerry and Friends Battle of the Bats Home Run Derby, June 18:

The Wood Family Foundation will join Cubs Charities to host the first ever home run derby at Wrigley Field. Kerry Wood and other Cubs alumni will coach players to swing for the fences while competing for the ultimate title of Homerun Derby Champion. Individuals will have to fundraise a minimum of $3,500, which will benefit underserved youth in Chicago through Cubs Charities and the Wood Family Foundation. For future information, visit www.cubscharities.org.

Foundation To Be Named Later's Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago, July 9:

The fourth annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago benefit concert will rock Chicago again at Metro Chicago. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons, Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper and the Chicago Hot Stove All-Stars will take the stage for an evening of music and giving back to the Chicago community. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation To Be Named Later, started by Epstein and his twin brother Paul. The foundation raises funds and awareness for nonprofit agencies, working on the front lines, serving disadvantaged youth in the Greater Boston and Chicago areas. For more information, please visit www.foundationtobenamedlater.org.

Jon Lester's NVRQT 3 Up, 3 Down, Aug. 13:

Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester will host his first fundraiser in Chicago this August. The 3 Up, 3 Down event will be a unique and fun take on the famous game show "Hollywood Squares." Jon and his wife Farrah, along with celebrities, coaches and teammates, will take part as contestants during the event. Fans can watch the excitement and partake in live and silent auctions. Proceeds from the event will benefit Lester's NVRQT campaign, run by the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), which helps raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research. For future information, visit www.nvrqt.org.

Joe Maddon's Respect The Main Event, Sept. 2:

Cubs manager Joe Maddon will host a boxing match fundraiser featuring amateur boxers from around Chicago. The event will raise money to keep Chicago youth college-bound and engaged through sports. For future information, visit www.cubscharities.org.

The Jason Motte Cornhole Challenge, Sept. 19:

Cubs pitcher Jason Motte and his wife Caitlin will help strike out cancer again at the 2015 Jason Motte Cornhole Challenge at Wrigley Field. Teams of two will go head-to-head with other fans and Cubs players in the ultimate cornhole challenge on the warning track. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Jason Motte Foundation, which provides comfort and care where there is a need for those affected, either directly or indirectly, by cancers of all kinds. For future information, visit www.jasonmottefoundation.org.

About Cubs Charities:

Cubs Charities harnesses the passion of Cubs fans to improve the lives of children and families across Chicago and beyond. Cubs Charities' goal is to provide increased access to sports opportunities and target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. Through grants to quality nonprofit programs, development of parks and baseball fields, and other community initiatives, the Cubs and Cubs Charities help fulfill a commitment to be the best in the game, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org.