The Chicago White Sox announced today that former pitcher Mark Buehrle and Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC) have launched a special fundraising sweepstakes, "56 for Charity," giving one lucky fan the opportunity to meet Buehrle and join other special guests on the field during the No. 56 retirement ceremony later this month. 
The complete grand prize package includes an opportunity for one fan with a guest to be on the field during the ceremony, a meet-and-greet experience with Buehrle, Magellan Scout Seats behind home plate for the June 24 game, framed 16" x 20" print from the perfect game signed by Buehrle and limo transportation to and from Guaranteed Rate Field (within 30 miles).
All fans who enter the sweepstakes will take home a piece of Buehrle memorabilia, including jerseys, baseballs and photos autographed by Buehrle, commemorative "56" T-shirts and more - all while supplies last. The sweepstakes will take place at whitesox.com/56ForCharity from 10 a.m. on Friday, June 9, through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 16. All fans who donate through this link, which includes the official sweepstakes rules, are automatically entered into the sweepstakes.
All proceeds from "56 for Charity" will benefit CWSC, as well as two non-profit organizations selected by Buehrle, Hope Rescues and Mission Continues. Based in southern Illinois, Hope Rescues is an all-ages, all-breed, no-kill pet rescue organization. Mission Continues is an agency in St. Louis, Missouri, focused on empowering veterans who are adjusting to life at home through community outreach.
Buehrle will be the 12th player to have his number retired by the White Sox, including former teammates Paul Konerko and Hall-of-Famer Frank Thomas. He was drafted by the White Sox in 1998, making his MLB debut in 2000. With the White Sox, Buehrle was a four-time American League (AL) All-Star and three-time AL Gold Glove winner. During his career with the White Sox, the left-hander went 161-119 (.575) with a 3.83 ERA (1,053 ER/2,476.2 IP), 27 complete games, eight shutouts and 1,396 strikeouts over 390 appearances (365 starts). Buehrle ranks among franchise leaders in strikeouts (4th), starts (4th), quality starts (4th, 231), wins (6th), strikeout-to-walk ratio (7th, 2.48), innings pitched (7th) and games pitched (8th).
Buehrle, who was part of the 2005 World Championship team, made four appearances (three starts) with Chicago in the 2005 postseason. He tossed the first of four consecutive Sox complete games in Game 2 of the AL Championship Series vs. the Angels and secured the save in the 14th inning of Game 3 of the World Series at Houston. Buehrle also recorded the 16th no-hitter in White Sox history on April 18, 2007, against the Rangers and the club's second perfect game on July 23, 2009, vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.
A limited number of tickets to Mark Buehrle Day on Saturday, June 24, are available at whitesox.com, the Guaranteed Rate Field box office (Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) or by calling 866-SOX-GAME.