'Cats for the Cause Campaign 

The Mudcats helped raise over $5,000 for the Red Cross through the fundraising program and Rocky Mount Leafs jersey silent auction.

The fundraising program, developed in 2008, teams up with non-profits, youth sports leagues, civic groups, schools, PTAs, and many more throughout the five county area to raise money and awareness as the Fundraising Group of the Night.

In its first season, the fundraising program raised over $10,000 working with groups such as the Frederick E. Turnage chapter of the Red Cross, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Ubuntu Way, Crossroads Civitan, Endeavor Charter School, and many more. 2008 also marked the first annual Strikeout Autism event at Five County Stadium to fundraise for The Mariposa School and Autism Society.

The National MS Society's informational table display on the concourse.

How it works:

Groups choose a Sunday-Thursday game as their night to sell $5 general admission tickets. They'll be able to keep half the proceeds from their ticket sales and receive an additional redemption bonus of $.25 for each ticket redeemed at the gates on their game night.

 Example:

750 tickets at $5/50% = $1,875
+ $.25 for each ticket redeemed at the game (500 tickets redeemed)=$125
Total raised: $2,000

The Mariposa School displays additional ways to fundraise during this year's Strikeout Autism event.

In the weeks leading up to the game, groups will be selling and promoting tickets throughout their community. Groups in the past have worked with radio and TV stations, newspapers, Chamber of Commerce, local business support, and numerous other outlets to help promote their event. The Fundraising Group of the Night will have the opportunity to have a table on our concourse to speak with fans about their organization and to hand out information about their upcoming events. Groups will also be mentioned on the video board that night.

Community Nights:

The Mudcats are currently looking for groups to take on the 2012 Community Nights. On these nights, we focus on surrounding communities with a rich baseball history, such as Rocky Mount, Wilson, and Raleigh (other

Outfielder John Raynor presents his jersey to a fan after the silent auction benefiting the Red Cross.

communities are also a possibility). The fundraising program is the same, with groups selling $5 general admission tickets and keeping half the proceeds (groups for these nights should be able to sell a minimum of 2,000 general admission tickets).

The Mudcats and your group will work together to have Five County Stadium reflect your community as much as possible. For example, in 2008 we allowed local businesses to "rent" tables on our concourse for the night to display their business (half the "rent" fee went towards the fundraising group). If your group would like to take on a community night, the possibilities for events that night are endless (jersey auction, first pitch, celebration of local heroes, etc.).

If you would like to know more information about the Mudcats' fundraising program, community nights, or to sign your group up, contact Chris Signorelli at 919.269.CATS (2287) or csignarelli@carolinamudcats.com