Pledges for PCF "Home Run Challenge" reach more than $1.1 million heading into Father's Day weekend

As Father's Day weekend approaches, monetary pledges for the 16th annual Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) "Home Run Challenge" are more than $1.1 million, as of today. The joint initiative between Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation culminates on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17th, and is intended to increase awareness for prostate cancer early detection. Since its inception, the initiative has raised nearly $40 million for PCF, the world's leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating prostate cancer research.

So far, baseball fans and PCF sponsors have collectively pledged $14,000 per home run hit during select games between June 7th and 17th, including all games on Father's Day. With 83 home runs hit at this point, $1,162,000 is slated to be donated toward research for prostate cancer. Fans can still pledge to the cause by calling 1-800-798-CURE (2873) or visiting HomeRunChallenge.org.

Mike Love and Bruce Johnston of the legendary Beach Boys, who just released their 29th studio album That's Why God Made the Radio, recorded a special message in support of the prostate cancer awareness campaign. The public service announcement will run online and in-stadium this weekend.  Fans can view the PSA by clicking HERE.
 
On Father's Day, MLB players, managers, coaches, trainers, umpires and groundskeepers will wear blue wristbands and blue ribbon uniform decals. Additionally, Clubs will host pre-game ceremonies and use a special blue MLB Father's Day line-up card. Major League Baseball Charities has committed $50,000 to PCF as part of this effort.

Founded in 1993, PCF has raised more than $479 million and provided funding to more than 1,600 research projects at nearly 200 institutions in 15 countries around the world.  For more information about PCF, please visit MLBCommunity.org or PCF.org.