SEATTLE -- Through their Mariners Care non-profit foundation, the Mariners and their corporate partners raised more than $2 million in the past year for a variety of charities throughout the Northwest, according to a statement released by the club on Friday.
Since Mariners Care was established in 1991, the nonprofit has helped raise more than $23 million to benefit primarily youth-oriented community service programs.
"The Seattle Mariners have long been leaders in giving back to the community," said John Stanton, the team's new chairman and CEO. "It is a responsibility that we all take very seriously. I'm proud to continue the tradition that has helped this organization make such a positive and lasting impact on our community."
Mariners Care and the Mariners corporate partners supported more than 1,500 local organizations during 2016, including Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Seattle Children's, United Way, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program, Northwest Harvest, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Additionally, every Mariners player participated in and supported various community programs and causes.
The biggest of the 25 fundraisers this past year for Mariners Care included:
• The All-Star Celebrity Softball Classic for Homeless Youth on May 22 at Safeco Field raised $742,566 to help homeless youth in King County.
• The 15th annual Toys for Kids dinner and auction, hosted by broadcaster Rick Rizzs and the Mariners RBI Club, raised more than $300,000.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Mariners Care golf tournament at Broadmoor Golf Club raised more than $205,000.
• The fifth annual Goodwill Refuse to Abuse 5K Run/Walk at Safeco Field raised $155,000 for the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Refuse To Abuse campaign.
• Mariners Care silent auctions, held at every Saturday home game, raised $102,389.
• The Peoria Diamond Club's annual Spring Training charity game against the Padres raised $97,000 for youth charities and organizations in Peoria, Ariz.
• PACCAR's RBI for Literacy program raised $75,000 and a Jack In the Box sale of $1 Mariners window decals raised $60,000 for Children's Hospital.