Mariners Care, the Seattle Mariners non-profit foundation, and its corporate partners, helped provide $2,151,142 in 2017 for a variety of charitable programs throughout the Northwest. Since 1991, when Mariners Care was established, the nonprofit has helped raise over $25 million to benefit primarily youth-oriented community service programs.
"The Seattle Mariners have long been leaders in giving back to the community. It is a responsibility that we all take very Mariners Care seriously. I'm proud to continue the tradition that has helped this organization make such a positive and lasting impact on our community," said John Stanton, Mariners Chair and CEO.
During 2017, 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, 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.
Additionally, Mariners Care and the Seattle Mariners increased support for local youth baseball and softball organizations to enhance the playing experience for young athletes. In 2017, Mariners Care introduced new youth baseball and softball initiatives including the #CHOOSERESPECT program in partnership with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, hosted coaching clinics at Safeco Field in partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance, and supported 11 Seattle Mariners Grand Slam Camps throughout western Washington.
Mariners Care Highlights
All-Star Celebrity Softball Classic for Homeless Youth
On May 13, the Mariners and United Way of King County held 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 5th annual event raised $815,000.
Toys for Kids Dinner and Auction
Rich Rizzs and the Seattle Mariners RBI Club held the 16th annual dinner and auction to benefit several Puget Sound area charities serving disadvantaged children and families. The event raised over $300,000.
Cystic Fibrosis Mariners Care Golf Tournament
Over $200,000 was raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at the 32nd annual golf tournament and auction held on June 26 at Broadmoor Golf Club.
Goodwill Refuse To Abuse® 5k Run/Walk at Safeco Field
The 6th Annual Goodwill Refuse To Abuse 5k Run/Walk, held on July 15 at Safeco Field, raised $150,000 for the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Refuse To Abuse® campaign.
Mariners Care Silent Auctions
Held on Saturday home game at Safeco Field, silent auctions of autographed and game-used memorabilia raised $109,823 for Mariners Care in 2017. Since 2000, the Mariners Care Silent Auctions have raised over $1.6 million.
Peoria Diamond Club Annual Spring Training Charity Game
The annual Spring Training Charity Game between the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres raised $100,000 for local charities in Peoria, AZ, home of the Seattle Mariners Spring Training complex.
PACCAR RBI for Literacy
For every Mariners RBI during the 2017 season, PACCAR made a donation to the Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program. This year, the program raised $75,000.
Mariners Care Charity Night
ROOT SPORTS and the Mariners teamed up to host the 7th annual online tele-auction during the June 20 telecast to raise funds for Mariners Care. The total for this year was $64,000.
Seattle Mariners "Groundskeeper for a Day" Fundraising Program
This season, $50,135 was raised for Pacific Northwest charities through the "Groundskeeper for a Day" experiences offered at various auctions.
Jack in the Box and Mariners Decals for Seattle Children's
In 2017, Jack in the Box and the Mariners teamed up to help raise $46,858 for Seattle Children's through donations from customers at Seattle area Jack in the Box restaurants.
Mariners Care Speed Pitch
Located on the Main Level in Center Field, all proceeds from the interactive fan game are donated to Mariners Care. The season ending total is $39,500.
Premera Steals for the Cure
For each Mariners stolen base in 2017, Premera Blue Cross made a donation to Susan G. Komen. The inaugural Steals for the Cure program raised $30,000.
Alaska Airlines Home Runs for Education
For every home run hit by a Mariners player, Alaska Airlines donated airline miles to the United Negro College Fund Seattle serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. In 2017, 1,000,000 miles, valued at $27,500, were donated to help worth students succeed in education.
Holland America Line K's for Kids
For every strikeout recorded by a Mariners pitcher, Holland America Line made a donation to the Seattle Children's Uncompensated Care Fund. The 2017 program raised $25,000.
Mariners Wives Favorite Things Auction
A silent auction of baskets filled with the favorite things of Mariners players raised $21,665 to benefit Mariners Care.
Mariners Wives Mystery Bag Fundraiser
Selling mystery bags of baseballs autographed by members of the 2017 team raise $20,700 for Mariners Care.
Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Drive
On June 4, 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 $15,000.
BECU Saves
For every save made by a Mariners pitcher at Safeco Field, Boeing Employees Credit Union donated $1,000 to Junior Achievement of Washington. The 2017 program resulted in a donation of $13,000.
American Red Cross Collection
In September, volunteers from the American Red Cross collected $11,154 from fans at Safeco Field to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
Baseball Tomorrow Fund Field Maintenance Clinic
The Mariners Grounds Crew and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund teamed up to present a Field Maintenance Clinic where a $10,000 grant was presented to the City of Kirkland to help with a field project.
Moneytree Wins for Mariners Care
For every Mariners win, Moneytree made a donation to Mariners Care. The 2017 program totaled $8,000.
Mariners Care Garage Sales
Mariners Care Garage Sales held at FanFest and at two home games during the 2017 season, featuring memorabilia from current and past seasons, raised $7,184 for Mariners Care.
Marineros Jersey Auction for Hurricane Relief
An online auction of game-used and team-issued jerseys from the Mariners annual Salute to Latin Beisbol Night on September 9, raised $6,800 to benefit the American Red Cross Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
Hempler's Doubles
For every double hit by a Mariners player at Safeco Field, Hempler's donated $50 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In 2017, the program raised $6,550.
Fight Hunger Presented by 97.3 KIRO FM and Mariners Care
The annual food drive collected $3,000 in cash donations, providing 13,600 meals to families in need through Northwest Harvest.
Page Ahead Book Drive Presented by PACCAR
On August 15, Mariners Care and PACCAR hosted a book drive at Safeco Field to benefit the Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program. Participating Mariners fans donated 829 books, valued at $2,073.