Third annual Cardinals Care 6K and One Mile Fun Run to take place Sunday, Sept. 16

ST. LOUIS (March 28, 2012) - Cardinals Care announced details today for the third annual “Cardinals Care 6K” set for Sunday, September 16^th.   The team’s charitable foundation has lowered the fundraising minimum as well as added a One Mile Fun Run to encourage more participation in the fitness fundraising event that has raised more than $300,000 over the last two years to help kids in our community.

“We hope to get the entire family involved this year,” said Michael Hall, Vice President of Community Relations and Executive Director of Cardinals Care.  “We expect to see lots of walkers, as well children in strollers in the fun run, while other runners will lace it up for the 6K race.”

The 6K run – named in honor of Stan Musial – starts at 8:06 a.m. at the Stan Musial statue outside Busch Stadium’s Gate 3, and winds around the city for a photographic finish on the field.  All run participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and medal. The One Mile Fun Run will start immediately following the start of the 6K and finish outside Busch Stadium at the Stan Musial statue on 8th Street.  Participants and spectators are encouraged to show their support and join the crowd inside to watch the completion of the event for free. 

In addition to the 6K and One Mile Fun Run, Cardinals Care is offering a new incentive program for race participants, including a chance for the top fundraising team to be recognized during an on-field ceremony prior to the September 29 game vs. the Washington Nationals, while the top individual fundraiser will throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the game.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to learn more and register at cardinals.com/6K . All participants have until September 9, 2012, to raise $75.  Participants can solicit donations to their online fundraising profile through email, Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.  All proceeds from the event help Cardinals Care help kids in our community.

Since its inception in 1997, Cardinals Care has invested nearly $18 million in “Caring for Kids” both on and off the baseball field.  Over the last 15 years, Cardinals Care has provided nearly $11 million in grants to over 800 non-profit youth organizations and built 19 youth ball fields in local disadvantaged neighborhoods.  Cardinals Care also runs the innovative Redbird Rookies program, a free baseball league for kids in Missouri and Illinois who otherwise might not have the opportunity to play. In addition to providing all the uniforms, gloves, bats, balls and other equipment needed for each team, Redbird Rookies also provides extensive off-field support in the areas of health, education, mentoring and the cultural arts for each of the nearly 4,500 kids who participate in the program each year.    In 2011, Cardinals Care established the Joplin Recovery Fund with over $200,000 in fan donations to help the thousands of Joplin area children recover from one of the most destructive tornadoes in American history.  Fans may now make a tax-deductible donation to Cardinals Care on-line at cardinals.com/community .