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Pirates Charities Enjoys Productive Fund Raising Year

Pirates Charities, the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is committed to strengthening the community by supporting organizations and programs that aim to improve the lives of children and adults in the greater Pittsburgh area. Special emphasis is placed on supporting youth programs focused on health, fitness, and education by developing partnerships with those who share in that mission.

In 2012, Pirates Charities planned and executed several successful fund raising events that generated significant dollars for the benefit the community -- including:

• The second annual "Pirates 5K Home Run" took place on April 21 on Pittsburgh's North Shore and drew more than 3,000 participants. The course for the race began on Federal Street and then proceeded down along the Allegheny River and back before coming into PNC Park and finishing on the field. The event was open to fans of all ages and abilities, and runners could participate in the 5K individually or take part in the team challenge, where groups of four runners competed against other teams based on an average overall time. Fans who did not wish to run could still participate by walking the 5K route or entering the "One-Mile Family Fun Run."
• After a one-year hiatus, the "Bowling with the Bucs" event was back, taking place on May 6 at Legacy Lanes in Baldwin. The first-ever "Bowling with the Bucs" fund raiser was held in 2005 when former Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson hosted an evening where fans had the opportunity to bowl and mingle with their favorite players. This year, pitchers Joel Hanrahan and Chris Resop served as the hosts and proceeds from the event benefited Pirates Charities' VIP (Very Important Pirate) Parties -- monthly parties that provide children in need with a night at the ballpark in VIP-style.
• Pirates Charities hosted one of the most unique fund raisers of the season on May 12 when the first-ever "Pedal for Pirates Charities" -- an outdoor stationary cycling event -- took place on Federal Street. Local instructors led the program that consisted of four one-hour sessions, and participants had the option to either "buy" a bike for the entire four hours for a donation of $200 or "rent" one for $50 per hour. Debbie Coonelly -- the wife of Pirates President Frank Coonelly -- and KDKA-TV news anchor Susan Koeppen served as co-chairs for the event, which benefitted Pirates Charities and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh's "Building Bridges" program.
• On June 11, Pirates Charities hosted the 7th annual Pirates Charities Golf Classic, presented by West Penn Allegheny Health System, at The Club at Nevillewood. The event was co-chaired by Pirates President Frank Coonelly and West Penn Allegheny Health System Board Chair Jack Isherwood. More than 100 participants had the opportunity to spend the day with current and former Pirates players, broadcasters and front office executives on the golf course. In addition, the 5th annual Pirates Charities Spring Training Golf Classic took place at the Bradenton Country Club on March 1.
• For the fifth year in a row, the Pirates were proud to partner with Root Sports to host the "Pirates Charities on Root Sports Auction." The live on-air auction took place in the Trib Total Media Hall of Fame Club at PNC Park when the Pirates hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 13. Throughout the game that night, fans had the opportunity to bid on several premier items and experiences in person at the ballpark and by telephone, and could also purchase special VIP bags that contained valuable items. The VIP bags proved to be popular as more than 2,500 were sold. Proceeds from the auction will be used to support Pirates Charities, the "Wins for Kids" program and The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh.
• On August 23, Pirates Charities held its fourth annual Sporting Clays Invitational, hosted by award-winning instructor Michael Mohr at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The event was presented by Allegheny Sports Medicine, Cabela's, Seven Springs and the architectural engineering firm of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates. Pirates players, coaches, broadcasters, alumni and front office executives were among a group of more than 140 participants in the event, which was co-chaired by Pirates and Pirates Charities Chairman Bob Nutting and Dr. Patrick DeMeo, the team's Medical Director and Chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Allegheny General Hospital.

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