Longoria home runs will again aid animal shelter

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-For the fourth consecutive season, every home run hit by Tampa Bay Rays All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria will benefit the Pet" Pal Animal Shelter, a no-kill, nonprofit shelter in St. Petersburg. For every home run he hits during the 2015 season, Longoria will join the Rays, Ducky's Sports Lounge and Bright House Networks to each donate $100 to the shelter.

Over the past three years, Longoria's 71 home runs have generated $28,800 for the shelter. Longoria and his fiancée, Jaime Edmondson, have a rescue dog, Tatum, a six-year-old Boerboel Mastiff.

"Home runs the last three years have been a little more meaningful to Jaime and I knowing they are helping support our local nonprofit, no-kill shelter," said Longoria. "We remain very passionate about this initiative and are grateful that our partners continue to share that same enthusiasm."

"Evan and Jaime are true animal advocates within our community," said Pet Pal Executive Director Scott Daly. "We are very excited for their stellar fundraisers again this season. On behalf of our adoptable animals, we are infinitely grateful."

For the past three years, the Tampa Bay Rays and Pet Pal have also partnered to create the "Players and Pooches" calendar. The 2015 calendar is currently on sale at the Pet Pal Animal Shelter, Pet Pal Veterinary Clinic and the Rays Pro Shop and Ticket Outlet in Tampa. The calendar features 15 Rays players, including Longoria, with their pets and costs $20 with all proceeds going to Pet Pal.

Pet Pal Animal Shelter is a no-kill nonprofit organization committed to rescuing dogs and cats from animal shelters that may otherwise be euthanized due to time limitations, illness, injuries or lack of socialization and training. Pet Pal is also dedicated to educating the public about the pet overpopulation crisis, the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership.

To donate or for additional information, visit petpalanimalshelter.com or call (727) 328-7738.