Royals in the community

KANSAS CITY, MO (August 10, 2012) – The Kansas City Royals and Royals Charities host one of its biggest charity events during the upcoming homestand – the Royals Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday, August 13.  In addition, the club has several other outreach events scheduled during the homestand, including a 50/50 Friday fundraiser on August 17 to benefit the American Diabetes Association.

Below is a listing of the club’s upcoming community efforts.

Monday, August 13 – Off Day

• Royals Celebrity Golf Tournament – Royals Charities hosts the fifth annual Royals Celebrity Golf Tournament at The National Golf Club of Kansas City in Parkville, Mo.  Sprint serves as a presenting sponsor of this sold-out tournament, and all proceeds will again benefit the Special Olympics of Greater Kansas City Metro. The event will begin with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.  Following the tournament, Royals Charities will host a reception, the Superior Lexus North Awards Program and the Pepsi Silent Auction.  There will also be a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items.   

Tuesday, August 14 – Oakland Athletics vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Wednesday, August 15 – Oakland Athletics vs. Royals presented by DeWalt, 7:10 p.m.

• Dream Factory – Throughout the season, the Royals grant the wishes of Dream Factory children.  These youngsters, who face life-altering challenges, will meet Royals players, watch batting practice from the dugout, and enjoy the game and refreshments.  Their Royals experience appears on the KMBC-TV (Channel 9) 10 p.m. newscast.

Thursday, August 16 – Oakland Athletics vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Friday, August 17 – Chicago White Sox vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

• Heart & Hustle Award – The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association honors Jeff Francoeur as the Royals recipient of the Heart and Hustle Award, which recognizes players who best demonstrate a passion for the game.
• 50/50 Friday – For every Friday home game, volunteers sell raffle tickets from the time the gates open until the end of the fourth inning.  One winning ticket will be selected with the winner taking home half of the evening’s net proceeds.  The other half will be divided between Royals Charities and a local Kansas City charity.  The American Diabetes Association will be the designated charity for Friday’s fundraiser.  www.royals.com/5050.
• Stars of the Classroom – The Royals join the Missouri Lottery to honor outstanding educators through the Missouri Lottery Stars of the Classroom recognition program.  Prior to six Royals games throughout the season, the Missouri Lottery and the Royals celebrate the achievements of top teachers from six school districts in the metro area.
• Budweiser Walk-Off A Hero – The Royals and Budweiser salute a member of the military by providing complimentary tickets and recognizing the honoree with a special in-game recognition. 

Saturday, August 18 – Chicago White Sox vs. Royals, 6:10 p.m.

• Hit-It-A-Ton Breakfast – All-Star Billy Butler and his wife, Katie, will host the annual Hit-It-A-Ton Breakfast at O’Hara High School, located at 9001 James Reed Road in Kansas City, Mo.  The ticket-only event is for donors to the Hit-It-A-Ton and Billy’s Doubles Club for Kids programs to benefit the Bishop Sullivan Center.  Butler and several Royals teammates will serve breakfast and sign autographs beginning at 10 a.m.  The Butlers created the Hit-It-A-Ton program to benefit the food pantries at St. James Place and Bishop Sullivan Center in 2008. 
• UMPS CARE – The Royals partner with Major League Baseball umpires to offer memorable baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption and at-risk youth in mentoring programs.  The children receive a VIP experience including complimentary tickets, a baseball goody bag, and the unique opportunity to step on to the field for a souvenir baseball and photo.
• State Farm Go To Bat Award – State Farm Insurance honors a local organization that positively impacts the Kansas City area during a special recognition prior to the game.  Saturday’s honoree is Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer, whose mission is to raise awareness and funds for treatment of childhood cancer.
• Budweiser Walk-Off A Hero – The Royals and Budweiser salute a member of the military by providing complimentary tickets and recognizing the honoree with a special in-game recognition. 

Sunday, August 19 – Chicago White Sox vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

• Royals Troopers – The Royals Grounds Crew welcomes select children who have a parent deployed through the United States military efforts overseas to join them in game preparations as part of the Royals Troopers program presented by John Deere.  The honored kids will help prepare the field prior to the game and will receive game tickets and Royals merchandise.
• Budweiser Walk-Off A Hero – The Royals and Budweiser salute a member of the military by providing complimentary tickets and recognizing the honoree with a special in-game recognition.