Grammy Award-Winning Artist Drake to Host Houston Appreciation Weekend Celebrity Softball Game on May 22
Proceeds of charitable event to benefit the Astros Urban Youth Academy
HOUSTON, TX - Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling recording artist Drake is hosting a celebrity softball game as part of his second annual Houston Appreciation Weekend (HAW) on Friday, May 22, benefitting the Astros Urban Youth Academy.
In addition to Drake, several notable names from sports and entertainment will participate in the HAW Celebrity Softball Game, including Astros alumni Chris Sampson and Brandon Backe, Houston Texans Duane Brown and Darryl Morris Jr., NFL players Dwayne Bowe, Taylor Gabriel, Marlon Moore and Le'Ron McClain and rap stars P. Reign and Kirko Bangz. Individuals subject to change. More celebrities and current and former pro athletes will be added to the rosters in the coming days.
Drake has deep roots in Houston, a city that was essential to launching his music career and where he began building his empire with the encouragement of long-time Astros supporter and community activist, Bun B, among others. Drake has been unwavering in his support of Houston-based organizations, sports teams and initiatives.
The HAW Celebrity Softball Game will take place at the University of Houston Cougar Field, and will include a Home Run Derby beginning at 6:00 p.m. prior to the softball game, which begins at 7:00 p.m.
The Astros Foundation will also run a raffle and auction, with all proceeds benefitting the Urban Youth Academy.
Tickets for Drake's HAW Celebrity Softball Game are available for purchase at www.EntertainHouston.com, at the TDECU Stadium Box Office or by calling 713-462-6647.
This event will not be open to the media.
ABOUT THE ASTROS FOUNDATION:
The Astros Foundation, the official 501(c)(3) team charity of the Houston Astros, seeks to harness the passion of baseball fans to support youth baseball and softball programs serving at-risk children and teens. Our cornerstone initiatives include the Community Leaders program, the Astros Urban Youth Academy and the Astros RBI program.
ABOUT THE ASTROS URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY:
The Astros Urban Youth Academy (UYA), which officially opened in 2010, is run by the Astros Foundation and provides free baseball and softball instruction, life skills training and academic support to Houston youth, with a focus on serving inner-city and at-risk children and teens. Baseball and softball camps, clinics and other activities are provided by experienced instructors. UYA staff also provide mentoring, leadership development and assistance with the college application process. The UYA's doors are open year-round free of charge to youngsters age 7 to 17 from the Houston area. The Astros were the first Major League club to open an Urban Youth Academy.