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Players 4 Kids Gala
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Zach and Kristin Duke with former Pirate Sean Casey and his family at the Players 4 Kids Gala.
Zach Duke and his wife Kristin, Neil Walker and his girlfriend Nikki and Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown all helped co-host the Annual Players 4 Kids Gala benefiting the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation on Tuesday, October 6 at the Westin Hotel Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.
Attendees enjoyed dinner and a special presentation geared towards promoting the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation, which strives to be a catalyst for bringing together a diverse coalition of 200 youth workers, serving in churches and youth serving agencies, combining resources to better serve the children and youth of the greater Pittsburgh area.
In addition, people had the chance to bid on a wide variety of professional sports memorabilia, including items from all Pittsburgh teams, in silent and live auctions. In all, the Gala raised more than $130,000 through generous donations by event attendees.
Central Blood Bank's Pirates Blood Drives
Pirates alum Kent Tekulve signed autographs at the June 17 Blood Drive in the press conference room.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are once again teaming up with the Central Blood Bank for Pirates Blood Drives during the 2009 season. Six blood drives are hosted at PNC Park's press conference/multipurpose room. In 2008, three drives held at PNC Park resulted in 233 units collected, touching 699 lives!
The Central Blood Bank needs to see 725 donors every 24 hours in order to meet the demand for blood patients in over 40 local area hospitals.
2009 BLOOD DRIVE DATES!
Thursday, March 19
Monday, June 15
Tuesday, June 16
Wednesday, June 17
Wednesday, August 12
Wednesday, October 28
Roberto Clemente Day of Giving
Friday, September 18, 2009
The Pirates will host the second annual "Roberto Clemente Day of Giving" at PNC Park on Friday, September 18, 2009. The purpose of the event is to celebrate the life and community service legacy of Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente by giving Pirates fans multiple opportunities to support local non-profit initiatives and to honor Pirates players who have demonstrated significant commitment to their communities.
On Federal Street, prior to the game, Pirates Charities, the ballclub's official philanthropic arm, and their local non-profit partners will host exhibits where fans can obtain information about important community programs and services.
In addition to learning about the work being done by these groups to support our local community:
- Fans can enter a raffle drawing for assorted player-themed gift baskets to benefit Pirates Charities at the Pirates Charities booth on Federal Street.
- The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will collect canned goods and non-perishable food items on Federal Street.
- The Light of Life Rescue Mission and Church of Christ will collect clothing on Federal Street.
- Inside the ballpark, fans can continue to purchase raffle tickets located in front of Guest Relations on the concourse for the player-themed gift baskets.
- Any fan making a donation will receive a commemorative "21" button in honor of Clemente.
Learn more about Roberto Clemente Day of Giving »
Pirates Fabulous Casino Night
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sponsored by Wheeling Island Hotel Casino and Racetrack
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Pirates Manager John Russell and his wife Jamie hosted 'Pirates Fabulous Casino Night', sponsored by Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack, in memory of Jamie's grandfather David Fitzgerald. Fans had the chance to roll the dice with their favorite Pirates players, coaches, alumni, broadcasters and other local sports celebrities to raise money for Pirates Charities and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater PA.
Pirates Casino Night
There was also a great silent auction and raffle prizes for the 'high-rollers', including a trip to Vegas!
On Thursday, August 27, Pirates Manager John Russell, along with Jim Simms, President and General Manager of Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack were pleased to present, on behalf of Pirates Charities, a check for $28,000 to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater PA as a result of the Casino Night event and through very generous donations of John & Jamie's family. Accepting the check from the Alzheimer's Association was Bob Leroy, President and CEO, Angela Grimm, Vice President of Fund Development, Alyssa Kaczmarek, Special Events Manager and Arnie and Abby Begler. Arnie is the vice chair of the Greater PA Chapter Board of the Alzheimer's Association and Abby is his daughter.
The mission of the Alzheimer's Association is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Pirates Charities is committed to strengthening the community by supporting organizations and programs aimed at improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Pirates Charities is a recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Andy LaRoche visits with Miracle Leaguers
July 21, 2009 • PNC Park
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Andy LaRoche helps Chloe, a current Miracle Leaguer, take batting practice.
Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche invited Chloe, a Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania player and her brother, Nolan, to PNC Park for a special day on the field. Andy spent much of his time before batting practice getting to know Chloe and Nolan and talking with them about their experiences of Chloe's first season at the new Pirates Charities Miracle League Field.
After their conversations, Andy introduced both children to several other Pirates players and then proceeded to give Chloe batting practice lessons off the tee right on the field at PNC Park.
According to Chloe's parents, it was one of the most magical moments of their kids' lives, and now Andy is by far the favorite Pirates player of Chloe and the rest of the family!
5th Annual 'Bowling with the Bucs' tournament
May 31, 2009 • AMF Noble Manor Lanes in Crafton
Sponsored by Trib Total Media
• 2009 photo gallery
Bowling pins signed by the Pirates players and coaches were up for auction during the tournament.
The 5th annual Bowling with the Bucs fundraiser took place on Sunday, May 31st from 6 to 9 p.m. at AMF Noble Manor Lanes in Crafton. The event offered fans the opportunity to meet and bowl with their favorite Pirates players and celebrities. All proceeds benefit Pirates Charities.
Food was generously donated by Score's Pizza & Wings in Pennsbury Village.
There were also be great silent auction items and raffle prizes!
Pirates Charities is committed to strengthening the community by supporting organizations and programs aimed at improving the lives of children and adults in the greater Pittsburgh area. Pirates Charities places a special emphasis on supporting youth programs focused on health, fitness, and education by developing partnerships with those who share in our mission.
Pirates Charities is a recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Gloves for Kids
Saturday, June 13th, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Dick's Sporting Goods store at the Mall at Robinson
• 2009 photo gallery
This young fan is delighted after receiving an autograph from a Pirates player.
The Pirates & Dick's Sporting Goods teamed up again for the "Gloves for Kids" Program - an initiative to provide local youth baseball/softball organizations with much needed baseball gloves and equipment.
This year's "Gloves for Kids" event took place on Saturday, June 13th starting at 10 a.m. at the Dick's Sporting Goods store at the Mall at Robinson. Pirates' Play-by-Play announcer Greg Brown was the host for the event.
Fans also had the opportunity to bid on Pirates and other Major League Baseball memorabilia such as autographed jerseys and bats from the biggest stars in baseball today.
All proceeds benefit Pirates Charities and gloves are presented to a local youth baseball/softball organization.
Gilda's Club of Western Pennsylvania's Third Annual 'Barbecue with the Bucs' Hosted by Paul & Jessica Maholm
A Caribbean Night with the Pittsburgh Pirates - June 14, 2009
Pirates President Frank Coonelly (right) and broadcaster Tim Neverett (left) look on as a check for $25,000 is presented to the Gilda's Club of Southwestern, PA.
Pirates starting pitcher Paul Maholm and his wife Jessica teamed up with the Gilda's Club of Western Pennsylvania for their third annual "BBQ with the Bucs" party.
Fans of the Pirates and supporters of the Gilda's Club all joined in to help raise money for the Gilda's Club where their mission is to provide a meeting place where men, women and children living with cancer, along with their families and friends, can join with others to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care.
At the event, fans were able to interact with the Pirates players and their wives, bid on wonderful auction items, enjoy a variety of food and music and dance the night away with the Pirate Parrot!. This year's event had a Caribbean twist!
From left to right, Jeff Karstens, Matt Capps and Evan Meek make a visit to a young Pirates fan in the hospital.
Players visiting Pittsburgh children
2009 Season
Throughout the season, Pirates players visit and work with children in different settings and events around the greater Pittsburgh region.
Many players enjoy taking the time in the hopes of brightening days and putting smiles on the faces of these children.
Ross Ohlendorf visits children at an area hospital.
Don Long visits Pirates Baseball Community Center
May 16, 2009
Pirates Hitting Coach Don Long shows coaches the proper mechanics of the swing.
Pirates Hitting Coach Don Long visited the Pirates Community Baseball Center in Shadyside on Saturday, May 16 to host a clinic with several Pittsburgh-area Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) coaches.
During the clinic, Long instructed the coaches on the proper mechanics of a swing and answered all questions the coaches had.
Holiday Party for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh
December 6, 2008
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Tom Gorzelanny and his wife Lindsey helped decorate holiday cookies.
The Pittsburgh Pirates hosted 60 kids, along with their matches, from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh on Saturday, December 6 for a holiday celebration inside the Pirates clubhouse at PNC Park. Each child received his or her own personalized locker complete with a Pirates jersey, a Pirates Santa cap and a backpack filled with goodies.
Pirates Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting, President Frank Coonelly and pitcher Tom Gorzelanny, who was joined by his wife Lindsey, were also on hand to greet and sign autographs for the children.
After being treated to lunch in the clubhouse, the children had the chance to take some swings in the indoor batting cage. The kids also decorated their own cookies, made holiday stockings & ornaments, got caricatures drawn and took part in a face painting station. There was also a dance party with all the Pirates mascots and finally, a special visit from Santa!
Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity Building Day
November 20, 2008
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Former Pirate Kent Tekulve (left) does some drywall mudding while FSN's Rob King sands down some drywall in an upstairs bedroom.
A total of 16 members from the front office staffs of FSN and the Pittsburgh Pirates, including FSN's Rob King and former Pirates Bob Walk and Kent Tekulve, partnered for a building day to support Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity on Thursday, November 20.
FSN and the Pirates helped work on a local Habitat for Humanity home by participating in projects such as painting, mudding and sanding dry wall, trim work and rolling ceilings.
Once finished, the home will be sold through an affordable, zero interest mortgage to a hard working, low income family.
The house is part of a nine-site development plan, which is the largest of its kind in Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity's 22-year history. The project broke ground in January of 2008.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action by selling homes built by volunteers to low income families.
Pirates Tales
Matt Capps heads up the Pirates Tales program, thanks to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Matt Capps and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh teamed up this summer for the second season of Pirates Tales. The Pirates Tales program encourages kids to set reading goals during the summer months and read their way all the way to PNC Park!
Just like going to Pirates games, students from the entire Allegheny County region make reading part of their summer tradition. Pirates Tales, a community outreach program designed to promote literacy skills, is a great way for kids to strengthen their reading skills and have fun at the same time.
This year, more than 1,500 students representing 51 libraries in Allegheny County participated in the Pirates Tales program. All kids who achieved their goals were entered into a contest to attend a Pirates home game to watch the Bucs battle the St. Louis Cardinals, invited to a special story time with Matt Capps, former Pirates pitcher Kent Tekulve and the Pirate Parrot and received a Pirates goody bag.
Several individuals were recognized during an on-field ceremony prior to the game including: Dr. Barbara Mistick, President and Director of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh; Jennifer Pickle, senior children's librarian; Constance Wong, children's librarian at the main library in Oakland; and Amy Godfrey, librarian at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Woods Run.
• 2007 Photo galleries: May 30, 2007 | June 10, 2007 | Sept. 9, 2007
Pirates 65 Roses Club, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
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The Pirate Parrot collects his roses.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, along with Pirates broadcaster Greg Brown and Steve Blass, hosted three 65 Roses Club nights at PNC Park to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation throughout the 2008 season. Pirates players Matt Capps, John Grabow and Paul Maholm visited the club.
The 65 Roses Club is a group of Pirates fans who have joined together to raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis by donating for every home run the Pirates hit. By making a pledge to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for every home run the Pirates hit, you will have the opportunity to meet Pirates players at private pre-game receptions. After the receptions, everyone can enjoy the game to cheer on the Bucs!
The club gets its name, "65 Roses Club," from the way a child often learns to say "cystic fibrosis," which sounds like "sixty-five roses." The 65 Roses Club is a national sports program supported by teams in all areas of athletics, including baseball, football, basketball, hockey and soccer, to help raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis.
Buses for Baseball
Matt Capps with a youngster from Buses for Baseball.
Buses for Baseball gives underprivileged kids throughout the United States and Canada the chance to attend a Major League baseball games and meet the players.
The Players Trust partners with local transit authorities and Major League teams, as well as charitable organizations in all Major League cities, to share the thrill of a big league game with kids who need more chances to smile.
At each ballpark, the kids are welcomed by players who spend time signing autographs, giving away souvenirs and posing for photographs. Complimentary food and soft drinks during the game -- and often the chance to see their own faces on the scoreboard -- provide lasting memories before the bus heads home.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were proud to welcome 50 children to PNC Park on August 5, 2009 for the Buses for Baseball program. The children were escorted into the ballpark to watch the Pirates take batting practice before anyone else was allowed in the park!
Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth (PLAY)
July 21, 2009
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Children participate in cone drills in the outfield at PNC Park.
The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society® (PBATS) in conjunction with the Taylor Hooton Foundation and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation hosted the PLAY campaign which promotes healthy living and decision making among children in America.
This year's event was coordinated by Head Trainer Brad Henderson. Sixty high school-aged youth players from Pittsburgh RBI and the City of Pittsburgh BIG League programs participated. Additional Pirates instructors were Frank Velasquez, Dr. Ed Snell, Mike Sandoval, Kiyoshi Momose, Leslie Bonci and Team Chaplain Brad Henderson. Part of the educational message was to inform young people about the danger of steroids and steroid abuse, as well as the promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Each participant also received a commemorative PLAY tee and were treated to a healthy lunch after the clinic ended.
Created in 2004, Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth (PLAY) was developed by PBATS using the celebrity appeal of Major League Baseball and all of its teams and players to help fight steroid abuse and to educate the young people of America about the dangers of steroids as well as promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
Umps Care Charities
The Pittsburgh Pirates are proud to support the Umps Care BLUE Crew Ticket program. Through the BLUE Crew Tickets program, Major League Baseball Umpires provide memorable sports experiences for children awaiting adoption and kids in youth mentoring programs.
The BLUE Crew Tickets experience includes:
- complimentary game tickets
- on field meet-and-greet for game ball and photos
- New Era Cap baseball hats of the home team
- goody bag of 'all things baseball'
The Pirates helped host three BLUE Crew Tickets days at PNC Park during the 2008 season.
PirateFest
Each year in January, the Pirates host the annual Piratefest at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. PirateFest is a giant indoor baseball carnival for the entire family, featuring live events, free autograph sessions, prizes, games, youth baseball clinics, the Pirate Parrot and much more.
"PirateFest is an exciting time for both the organization and our fans because it is the official kickoff for the upcoming season," said Pirates President Frank Coonelly. "It gives us another opportunity for our players and our entire organization to personally thank our fans for their continued dedication before we head to Spring Training."
• PirateFest 2008 Photo galleries: I | II
Pirates Wives host Build-A-Bear Workshop for Kids
August 12, 2008
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This youngster gets his new elephant at the event.
Several members of the Pirates Wives Organization hosted 20 children from the Homeless Children's Initiative at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Ross Park Mall on Tuesday, August 12. Each wife, along with their significant other, escorted the children around the store and helped them choose their bear, stuff and stitch them up, and finally dress them in a Pirates uniform or other outfits. Wives and players who participated included Kristin and Zach Duke, and Jessica Maholm. Following the building of their bears, the children were treated to lunch, courtesy of the Pirates and Villa Pizza.
Pirates help children do some back-to-school shopping
July 29, 2008
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Paul Maholm was one of the Pirates players who helped the kids shop.
Thirty children from the Kingsley Association were invited to attend a Back-to-School Shopping Event at the Dick's Sporting Good store at the Mall at Robinson on Tuesday, July 29. The children, ages six to 14, were escorted around the store by Pirates players Steve Pearce, Paul Maholm and T.J. Beam and Pirates coaches Tony Beasley and Luis Dorante.
The children were given $150, courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods and the Pirates, to purchase back-to-school gear including shoes, backpacks, t-shirts, shorts, and anything else they needed to ensure a successful first day back at school.
Following their shopping trip, the kids at lunch with the players and coaches, thanks to Max & Erma's, and were entertained by the Pirate Parrot.
The Kingsley Association works diligently to provide comprehensive, culturally relevant, educational, recreational, and social programming that positively impacts the lives of youth, their families and the East End communities.
The ice cream sundae bar for desert.
Pirates Wives visit Ronald McDonald House
July 8, 2008
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On Tuesday, July 8th, the Pirates Wives visited the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh and cooked them a homemade spaghetti dinner. They also brought gifts for all the kids.
Light of Life Rescue Mission
July 1, 2008
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Pirates broadcaster Steve Blass holds up a hamburger for the camera while serving the tailgate meal.
The Pittsburgh Pirates and Levy Restaurants hosted a Pirates Tailgate Party at the Light of Life Rescue Mission on the Northside on July 1. Pirates Alumni Steve Blass, Kent Tekulve and the Pirate Parrot, along with other Pirates front office and Levy volunteers served a ballpark-style menu to over 300 men and women in the area. Levy Restaurants and Silver Star Meats donated the food.
Levy Cares is the charitable arm of Levy Restaurants. Nationwide, Levy Cares seeks to reach out and support causes and organizations dedicated to children, those infected and affected by HIV / AIDS and the homeless by providing food, hospitality services, volunteer time and financial contributions.
Autism Speaks Walk
June 7, 2008
Pirates Infielder Doug Mientkiewicz, along with the Pirate Parrot and the Pirates Pierogies appeared at the Autism Speaks Walk on June 7th. Mientkiewicz was on-hand to sign autographs for participants as well as officially kick-off the Walk.
Matt Capps visits Wexford Elementary
May 21, 2008
Pirates closer Matt Capps visited one of Wexford Elementary third grade class for an Ice Cream Party provided by Hagan Ice Cream.
One of the students in the class is a member of the Pirates Bucaroos Kids Club and registered to win the visit from Matt and the get the Ice Cream Party for all his classmates.
Matt also read the kids one of his favorite baseball stories.
Scouting for Food
The Boy Scouts, along with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, held their annual canned food drive on Federal Street before the Pirates Home Opener on Monday, April 7th. The event was a huge success and resulted in $433.17 in monetary donations and over 500 pounds of food! Thank you to all the fans for their donations!
Race for the Cure
For more than 16 years, the greater Pittsburgh community has come together by the thousands to take one step, and then another, and another, moving forward on the journey to find a cure for breast cancer.
The Pirates are a proud be a sponsor of the annual Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure held each Mother's Day in Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Join us as we look with hope to a day without breast cancer.
Tickets for Kids
Tickets for Kids® Charities launched its "I'm One in a Million" campaign in September of 2007. The campaign is a yearlong celebration to commemorate the milestone of having reached ONE MILLION deserving children from the area's often-forgotten neighborhoods by including them in thousands of events and activities since 1994 - with an estimated ticket value of more than $16 million. Outings range from baseball games and other sporting events, to theater and museums, the circus, the zoo and many other family-friendly events --- opportunities these children would otherwise never have.
Tickets for Kids held their first celebration with one of its long-time partners, the Pittsburgh Pirates, at the game on Sunday, Sept. 9. The special "Tickets for Kids" day included, among other things, the opportunity for Tickets for Kids' kid Adam Howard, 12, from Pittsburgh's North Side, to throw out an honorary first pitch to the Pirate Parrot from the pitcher's mound during pre-game ceremonies.
"I'm really excited to be one of a million kids, and to throw out the first pitch," said Adam.
He will also have the honor of representing the 50,000 children who have attended Pirates games through Tickets for Kids at PNC Park since it opened in 2001 thanks to the generosity of the Pirates and their season ticket holders.
"We're delighted to be part of this special celebration and to have helped Tickets for Kids reach these momentous goals - 50,000 Pirates tickets and one million tickets overall," said Patty Paytas, vice president of community and public affairs for the Pirates. "Our season ticket holders really deserve much of the credit for their generosity through the Take Me Out to the Ballgame program, which supports Tickets for Kids' efforts."
Take Me Out to the Ballgame allows season ticket holders to donate tickets to Tickets for Kids, which in turn, allows deserving children to attend a game, while the donor receives a tax deduction from Tickets for Kids for the value of the donation.
Many Pirates season ticket holders donate annually, including individuals like Brian Claypool, now a successful attorney in California, who grew up near Latrobe, Pa. His deep admiration for Roberto Clemente as a child led to a life-long love affair with the Pirates, which he wanted to share with others, once he could afford to. And so, for the past six years, Brian has purchased three full-season ticket packages for Tickets for Kids to share with area children, so they can see a Pirates game in person -- something Brian only occasionally had the chance to do while growing up.
"Many people helped me along the way as I was growing up and getting started," said Claypool. "They gave me hope for the future; and so it's my hope that sharing my love of Pirates baseball will give other young people that same hope that the future can be bright and that dreams do come true."
Tickets for Kids started in 1994 with one couple's desire to help fill empty seats at the area's ballgames, ballet and theater performances, museums, the zoo and other family friendly events -- and their belief that every family should have the opportunity to spend quality time together -- regardless of their ability to pay. Tickets for Kids Charities, a Pittsburgh-based, non-profit organization, creates magical moments and lifetime memories for children and their families. Serving as the community outreach partner for many family and entertainment venues, Tickets for Kids includes deserving children in cultural, educational and entertainment events they would otherwise not have the chance to experience. Tickets for Kids relies on the generous support of individuals, companies and foundations for tickets and contributions to make these opportunities possible. For more information or to make a contribution, call 412-781-KIDS (5437) or visit www.ticketsforkids.org.
Zach and Kristin Duke Pittsburgh Project Effort
Pirates pitcher Zach Duke and his wife Kristin are inviting kids from the Pittsburgh Project to join them at PNC Park for a Pirates' baseball game. Since Zach's number is 57, he and Kristin have selected five (5) dates for these special events, with seven (7) kids coming to each game. The Pittsburgh Project is a Northside-based nonprofit community development organization with a 23-year track record of developing leaders and serving the city's most vulnerable residents. On each date, the seven (7) kids will come to the ballpark early, spend time with Zach and Kristin, watch bp, meet other Pirates players and stay for the game as guests of the team. Zach and Kristin are also providing each child with complimentary concession vouchers. Kids with strong academic performance and demonstrating good behavior are selected for this unique opportunity.
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