Marlins Ayudan to host Day of Civic Engagement and Philanthropy

December 15, 2015

The Miami Marlins front office will take part in the fifth annual Day of Civic Engagement and Philanthropy on Thursday, December 17, marking the second time this year the entire office closes for a full day of philanthropy and service in the South Florida community. The day begins at 9 a.m. on the West Plaza at Marlins Park and concludes at 4 p.m., with $15,000 being gifted in the local community throughout the day in random acts of kindness. The Marlins' commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility will be on display throughout the day's events and activities.

Following the opening ceremony, the Marlins' front office will split into their Marlins Ayudan teams and disperse to 15 Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Each team will visit a school with coaches from 2015 Marlins Charity Partner Up2Us Sports. Together, they will conduct a Play Ball event with 25 students who have been selected as a result of excelling in the District's iAttend initiative. The hour-long Play Ball event will feature Marlins Ayudan "Blue Shirts" engaging the students in baseball-related games.

Civic engagement activities for the day are also extended to historically and culturally significant sites across Miami-Dade County. Marlins Ayudan teams will visit these locations identified via riddles and clues for this uniquely fun canvassing experience. The objective is to spread holiday cheer and connect Marlins professionals to the rich history and diversity of South Florida.

About Marlins Community Impact

The Marlins Foundation and Community Outreach efforts support the Charity Partners of the Miami Marlins through philanthropy and service. The Foundation is committed to improving the lives of our youth through education, the arts and baseball, with a focus on children with special needs. The funds raised by the Foundation provide unique experiences for kids in our schools, parks, and on the water. Since the Ballpark was approved, the Marlins Foundation has gifted over $5 Million to South Florida charities and Marlins Ayudan has performed over 30,000 hours of service. Marlins Ayudan is our employee volunteer corps willing and ready to effectuate positive change in the South Florida community. The Marlins endeavor to be a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility and civic engagement.

About Play Ball

Play Ball, a youth-driven initiative of MLB and USA Baseball, is designed to boost participation in baseball and softball. The effort encourages play in all forms, and highlights various short-form versions of baseball that can be played outside of fully manned games, such as stickball, wiffleball and playing catch.

About Up2Us Sports

Up2Us Sports is a non-profit organization that believes sports and coaching are the most powerful tools to inspire our nation's youth. The mission of Up2Us Sports is to advance sports as a solution to the critical challenges facing youth. Up2Us Sports supports a coalition of youth programs that use the power of sports to end violence, promote health, and inspire academic success.