"Strikeouts for Schools" Debuts in 2011

Everett, Wash - Union Bank and the Everett AquaSox are teaming up to provide community support to strengthen academic achievement within the Everett Public Schools with the debut of the "Strikeouts for Schools" program. For every strikeout recorded by AquaSox pitchers in 2011, Union Bank will give $20 to the Everett Public Schools Foundation. Everyone associated with the new program is excited for this fun and unique opportunity to invest in education for our children, their teachers and the local community in Everett.

"We are excited that Union Bank and the Everett AquaSox are partnering to help the Everett Public Schools Foundation provide service to our students and staff to create opportunities and build futures." said Dan Gunderson, President of the Everett Public Schools Foundation. "I know the entire Everett School District will be rooting for a lot of strikeouts this year and when we can't make it to the game, we will be following the box scores very closely."

The Everett AquaSox are the Short-Season Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and are set to defend their 2010 Northwest League championship. Last season, the AquaSox pitching staff recorded at total of 631 strikeouts. A similar total in 2011 could yield a contribution of nearly $13,000.

"Investing in education in our communities is a priority for Union Bank, and we are delighted to partner with the AquaSox organization to further strengthen our relationship with Everett Public Schools and the Everett community," said Ron Heller, Union Bank's Washington Market President. "We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark this year and providing yet another reason to cheer for every strikeout recorded by an AquaSox pitcher. We hope there are a lot of them."

The AquaSox will begin the 2011 season June 17 on the road versus Tri-City. The home opener is set for Wednesday, June 22 at Everett Memorial Stadium against Vancouver. For information about ticket plans, planning a group outing or about the season schedule, the public is invited to visit the AquaSox stadium store at 3802 Broadway in Everett, call (425) 258-3673, or log onto aquasox.com.