MiLB charities aid flood victims

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Minor League Baseball is proud to announce that it has established MiLB Charities, a tax exempt, 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL).

Any donations to MiLB Charities will qualify as tax deductible contributions.

The first act for this newly created charitable arm of Minor League Baseball will be to donate $50,000 to the four Minor League cities in Iowa affected by the recent floods; Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Davenport (Quad Cities) and Des Moines.

"Minor League Baseball is an American institution of grass roots, hometown baseball played out in cities and towns all throughout this country," said Minor League Baseball President Pat O'Conner. "And nothing is more American than neighbor helping neighbor. As our friends and fellow fans in the Midwest struggle with the aftermath of the recent flooding, we are proud to participate in a nationwide campaign to ease their pain and hurry along their recovery.

"Minor League Baseball fans everywhere empathize with all our friends and fellow fans in the Midwest. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them, and we will do all we can to help get them back on their feet as quickly as possible."

In conjunction with this endeavor, Minor League Baseball clubs have been encouraged to stage a "Flood Relief Night", if possible, over the July 4th holiday weekend. The July 4th holiday is typically one of the industry's best drawing dates, in terms of attendance. Clubs can tailor their "Flood Relief Night" as they wish, regarding donations and/or gifts-in-kind. Any clubs that do not have a home game during this time are welcome to donate as they see fit.

The proceeds from these "Flood Relief Nights" will be collected and also dispersed by MiLB Charities to the cities of Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Davenport (Quad Cities) and Des Moines.