Marlins to give away $50,000 in random acts of kindness

On Thursday, December 15, Marlins Ayudan (also known as the "blue shirts") will give away $50,000 in its first organized day of service as the Miami Marlins. Employees from across the organization will break into fifteen teams of ten, sport blue Marlins Ayudan jerseys and canvass the neighborhoods and business districts surrounding the new Marlins Ballpark. Marlins Ayudan is a collaborative front office volunteer program that provides permanent enhancements to the community.

Ayudan teams will interact with neighbors, perform random acts of kindness, visit key Miami landmarks and perform community service all in order to make Miami a better place to live, learn and play. Each team will have $1,000 cash to creatively perform random acts of kindness while exploring Miami and will volunteer at some of our neighborhood schools. Each team will capture their experiences on video and engage the residents they encounter.

The day will begin at Shake-A-Leg where Marlins President, David Samson, will be joined by representatives from Publix Supermarkets for a $25,000.00 donation to this great organization. The Marlins chose to begin the day at Shake-A-Leg because it demonstrates the team's philosophy of giving.

"We selected Shake-A-Leg as a charity partner for our inaugural season because of the uniqueness of its mission and alignment with education," said Samson. This bayfront Miami organization helps people with physical, developmental and economic challenges enjoy sailing, kayaking and other types of water activities.

"As the Ballpark has risen from the ground, so too has our commitment to our philosophy of philanthropic giving. Our community will know that this commitment is based on our deep-rooted belief in partnerships that will make a significant positive impact."

The Miami Dade Police Department will also join in this day of service and will be present as members of Marlins Ayudan lay a wreath at the Law Enforcement Memorial during the day. At the closing ceremony at the new Marlins Ballpark, a donation will also be made to the Police Officers Assistance Trust Holiday Gifts for Surviving Children Program.