Mariners Care raises over $1.3 million for Northwest charities in 2013

Mariners Care, the Seattle Mariners non-profit foundation, and its corporate partners, helped provide $1,362,784 in 2013 for a variety of charitable programs throughout the Northwest. Since 2000, Mariners Care has helped raise $14.8 million to benefit primarily youth-oriented community service programs.

The 2013 total does not include $1.2 million that was raised during the June 15 All-Star Celebrity Softball Classic staged by the Mariners and United Way of King County. Proceeds from the event benefit services for homeless youth in King County.

“We take our responsibility to the community very seriously at the Seattle Mariners. I’m proud that Mariners Care, our corporate partners and our fans have helped make such a positive and lasting impact on our community,” said Howard Lincoln, Mariners Chair and CEO.

During 2013, Mariners Care and the Mariners corporate partners supported over 1,500 local organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Seattle Children’s, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Northwest Harvest, Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program, Emergency Feeding Program of King County, and the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Additionally, every Mariners player participated in and supported various community programs and causes.

Mariners Care Highlights

All-Star Celebrity Softball Classic for Homeless Youth

On June 15, the Mariners and United Way of King County sponsored a celebrity softball game at Safeco Field to benefit homeless youth in King County. Mariners Hall of Famers Dan Wilson and Jay Buhner served as team captains. The event raised $1.2 million.

Mariners Hall of Fame Luncheon

The 2013 Mariners Hall of Fame Luncheon in Ken Griffey Jr.’s honor, held August 9, raised $300,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Cystic Fibrosis Mariners Care Golf Tournament

Over $235,000 was raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the annual golf tournament and auction held on June 24 at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge.

Toys for Kids Dinner and Auction

Rick Rizzs, Dave Henderson, and the Seattle Mariners RBI Club held the 12th annual dinner and auction to benefit Puget Sound area charities serving disadvantaged children and families. The event raised over $173,000.

Peoria Diamond Club Annual Spring Training Charity Game

The annual Spring Training Charity Game between the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres raised $106,417. Beneficiaries included Teen Lifeline, Partners of Arrowhead Hospital, Glendale/Peoria YMCA, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Valley View Community Food Assistance, Special Olympics Arizona, Camp Soaring Eagle, PUSD Emerging Leader Scholarship Fund, and Summer Youth Fund.

Mariners Care Silent Auctions

Held each Saturday home game at Safeco Field, silent auctions of autographed and game-used memorabilia raised $82,777 for Mariners Care. Since the Silent Auctions started in 2000, they have now brought in a total of $1.18 million for Mariners care.

PACCAR RBI for Literacy

For every Mariners RBI during the 2012 season, PACCAR made a donation to the Page Ahead Children’s Literacy Program. The 2013 program raised $75,000.

Refuse To Abuse® 5k Run/Walk at Safeco Field

The inaugural Refuse To Abuse® 5k Run/Walk, held on July 20 at Safeco Field, raised over $75,000 for the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Refuse To Abuse campaign.

Alaska Airlines Home Runs for Wishes

Alaska Airlines donated 10,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for every Mariners home run and 40,000 miles for every Mariners grand slam to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska and Washington. In 2013, 2,010,000 miles, valued at $55,000, were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Seattle Mariners “Groundskeeper for a Day” Fundraising Program

This season, $50,434 was raised for Pacific Northwest charities through the “Groundskeeper for a Day” donations offered at various auctions.

Sharebuilder Saves for Kids

For every save recorded by a Mariners pitcher in 2013, Sharebuilder donated $1,000 to Seattle Children’s. The Mariners had 43 saves for a total donation of $43,000.

Charity Auction Ticket Donations

In 2013, the Mariners contributed $32,830 in tickets for charity fundraisers throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Drive

On July 14, Mariners fans and The Baseball Tomorrow Fund teamed up to collect new and gently used baseball and softball equipment to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County. The equipment and cash donations totaled $23,000.

Mariners Care Speed Pitch

Located on the Main Concourse in Center Field, all proceeds from the interactive fan game are donated to the Mariners Care Foundation. The season ending total is $21,372.

Trader Joe's Home Runs That Help

Every time the Mariners hit a home run at Safeco Field, Trader Joe's made a donation to the Emergency Feeding Program of King County. In 2013, the total is $18,000.

Mariners Wives Grab Bag Fundraiser

Selling mystery grab bags of baseballs autographed by Mariners players and coaches raised $16,000 for Mariners Care, the Seattle Mariners non-profit foundation.

Mariners Wives Favorite Things Auction

A silent auction of baskets filled with the favorite things of Mariners players and manager raised $10,100 to benefit Mariners Care, the Seattle Mariners non-profit foundation.

ROOT SPORTS - Mariners Teleauction

ROOT SPORTS and the Mariners teamed up to host an on-line teleauction during the September 6 telecast to raise funds for Mariners Care. The fourth year event raised $10,000.

Mariners Care Garage Sales

Mariners Care Garage Sales held at FanFest and two select 2013 home games, featuring memorabilia from current and past seasons, raised $8,920 for Mariners Care.

Fight Hunger Presented by News Talk 97.3 KIRO FM and Mariners Care

This annual food drive collected $8,200 in cash donations and 450 pounds of food for Northwest Harvest.

The Martinez Foundation Silent Auction

On June 6, the Mariners hosted a silent auction at Safeco Field to benefit The Martinez Foundation which provides underserved populations with educational opportunities. The auction raised $6,000.

Jackie Robinson Scholarship

Mariners Care, The Evergreen State College, and Seattle Central Community College teamed up for the 12th annual Jackie Robinson Scholarship Night. Three scholarships were awarded for a total of $5,334.

KeyBank Item of the Homestand

For every item of the homestand sold in the Mariners Team Store, KeyBank made a donation to the Northwest Center. In 2013, KeyBank donated $5,000.

Catch a Cure for Cancer Silent Auction

On August 27, the Mariners hosted a silent auction at Safeco Field to benefit The Moyer Foundation's Catch a Cure for Cancer campaign supporting early cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.  The auction raised $1,800 for the 2013 campaign.

Mariner Moose Auction Donations

More than $600 has been raised this season for Pacific Northwest charities through Mariner Moose party donations offered at various auctions.