Billy Butler and James Shields involved in community events this homestand

KANSAS CITY, MO (April 28, 2014) - As the Kansas City Royals return home to face the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers, the team will also take part in several community initiatives. During the homestand, Billy Butler will launch a challenge for local youth ballplayers and MLB Royals All-Star Scholarship winners will be announced. Season-long programs like Dream Factory, Big Game James Shields Section and Stars of the Classroom will return for the first time in 2014. In addition, Royals Charities will host a 50/50 Raffle, presented by Edelman & Thompson, each game throughout the 2014 season. Please see below for more information.

Monday, April 28 - Off Day

• Billy Butler at Bishop Sullivan Center Kickoff - Royals designated hitter Billy Butler is challenging local young ballplayers to donate food or money for the Bishop Sullivan Center throughout the month of May as part of the Hit-It-A-Ton Youth League Challenge. To kick off the initiative, Butler will join several youth baseball players at 4 p.m. today to sack groceries and later serve a meal to hundreds of people at St. James Place. This is the seventh year Butler and his wife Katie are helping Bishop Sullivan Center feed hungry people through the Hit-It-A-Ton campaign. So far his program has raised more than 1,600 tons of food. For more information, visit www.hititaton.org.

Tuesday, April 29 - Toronto Blue Jays vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

Wednesday, April 30 - Toronto Blue Jays vs. Royals, 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, May 1 - Toronto Blue Jays vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

• 20/20 Scholarship Announcement - The five winners of the 2014 MLB Royals All-Star Scholars program will be announced during the 20/20 Leadership's Shining Star Awards, taking place at 5:30 p.m. at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Rd, Kansas City, Mo. The five $10,000 scholarships are distributed to students from the 20/20 Leadership program, which services students from moderate- to low-income families to educate and develop personal and leadership skills. The scholarships were created from proceeds from the 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City and benefit students who plan to attend any college/university in Missouri or Kansas.

Friday, May 2 - Detroit Tigers vs. Royals, 7:10 p.m.

• Big Game James Section - Pitcher James Shields, together with the Royals and KCP&L, will host foster care children and their families in the Big Game James Section. Each child will receive complimentary tickets in section 206, a "Big Game James" t-shirt and a free meal courtesy of ARAMARK and Papa John's Pizza. Guests will also participate in a meet-and-greet with Shields prior to the game. In addition, in recognition of National Foster Care Month, the partners will join Cornerstones of Care to host foster families in the Hall of Fame Pavilion for food and festivities prior to the game.
• 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.
• Royals Charities and MLBPAA Concourse Auction - Royals Charities and the MLBPAA host a silent auction near the Majestic Team Store on the Field/Plaza Level from the time the gates open until the end of the sixth inning. Unique auctions will take place during each game of this series.

Saturday, May 3 - Detroit Tigers vs. Royals, 6:10 p.m.

• KU Health Awareness Night - The Royals and the University of Kansas Hospital are proud to partner to bring Concussion Awareness Night to Kauffman Stadium. Learn about concussion prevention, symptoms and treatment from the experts at the Center for Concussion Management at Gate D prior to the game. In addition, patients who have overcome concussions will be honored during the first pitch and in the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat.

Sunday, May 4 - Detroit Tigers vs. Royals, 1:10 p.m.

• Autism Awareness Day - Major League Baseball and the Royals partner with Autism Speaks to recognize April as National Autism Awareness Month and help raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Royals, MLB and Autism Speaks are partnering to create a special day featuring a fun, safe and family-friendly environment for fans who are a part of the Speaks family. Specific sections in the Fountain Seats and Outfield Box are reserved for this event and may be purchased at www.royals.com/autismspeaks. A portion of each ticket sold will benefit Autism Speaks.
• 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 onto the field for a souvenir baseball and photo.