16th Annual Home Run Challenge to Raise Crucial Funds for Advanced Prostate Cancer Research

Santa Monica, CA, May 19, 2011 —– Major League Baseball (MLB) players are putting their bats to work again to take aim at prostate cancer as part of the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s 16^th Annual Home Run Challenge.The Home Run Challenge, a partnership between the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), begins on Wednesday, June 8 and culminates on Sunday, June 19—Father’s Day—and will raise crucial funds for prostate cancer research.

During the Home Run Challenge, MLB and PCF encourage baseball fans to make a pledge–ranging from $.25 to $10,000 for every home run hit during select games between June 8 and Father’s Day, June 19. Last year, 112 home runs were hit, raising nearly $2.3 million for accelerating research and scientific discovery that will lead to better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.

“We are dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately cures for prostate cancer,” says Michael Milken, founder and chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “We’ve been able to make tremendous progress towards this goal thanks in part to Major League Baseball, the Players Association and baseball fans everywhere who have shown enormous support and generosity year after year. Since its inception, the Home Run Challenge has raised more than $38 million; we’re looking forward to adding to this total in 2011,” Milken added.

To make a pledge for the 2011 Home Run Challenge, fans may call 1-800.798.CURE (2873) or visit homerunchallenge.org.This year offers a new way for baseball fans to donate by making a $10, one-time donation by texting HRC to 20222 (message and data rates apply)*.

One out of every six American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer within in his lifetime, making it the most common non-skin cancer in America. In the time it takes to play nine innings of baseball, 63 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and nine men will die from the disease.

“The Home Run Challenge is the epitome of team work with the entire Major League family rallying around this important program that strives to strike out a deadly disease,” according to Tony La Russa, St. Louis Cardinals manager and a 13 year Challenge participant. “Over the years I’ve seen the Challenge grow into a much anticipated baseball happening that receives an outpouring of support from our fans. We can’t thank them enough.”

To show their support, players, coaches, managers, trainers, groundskeepers, umpires and equipment managers will wear blue wristbands on Father’s Day. There will also be blue jewels on bases and some teams will host blue awareness ribbons on the field. Additionally, teams will show their support in a variety of ways including hosting pre-game ceremonies, running public service announcements, holding auctions and donating tickets for Father’s Day baseball games.

A number of key past and present players have already signed on to actively promote this year’s program including retired player co-chairs: Terry Steinbach, Sean Casey, Tim Salmon, Mike Sweeney and Robin Ventura as well as current player co-chairs: Lance Berkman, Ryan Braun, Jason Giambi, Todd Helton, Torii Hunter, Jason Kendall, Derrek Lee, Carlos Pena, Scott Rolen, Aaron Rowand, Jim Thome, Michael Young and Ryan Zimmerman.

In addition, each team has a designated player representative, including J.P. Arencibia, Jason Bay, Jay Bruce, Billy Butler, Mike Cameron, Jorge Cantu, Eric Chavez, Nelson Cruz, Johnny Damon, Ryan Doumit, Adrian Gonzalez, Curtis Granderson, Travis Hafner, Aaron Hill, Nick Hundley, Brandon Inge, Cesar Izturis, Conor Jackson, Chipper Jones, Matt Kemp, Paul Konerko, Nick Markakis, Joe Mauer, Nate McLouth, Logan Morrison, David Ortiz, Hunter Pence, Albert Pujols, Grady Sizemore, Mike Stanton, Kurt Suzuki, Nick Swisher, Mark Teahen, Miguel Tejada, Troy Tulowitzki, Justin Upton, Chase Utley, Will Venable, Neil Walker, Vernon Wells, Jack Wilson, David Wright and Chris Young.

Lead managers for the 2011 Home Run Challenge include Manny Acta, Dusty Baker, Bud Black, Bruce Bochy, Terry Francona, Ron Gardenhire, Joe Girardi, Fredi Gonzalez, Ozzie Guillen, Clint Hurdle, Tony LaRussa, Jim Leyland, Joe Maddon, Charlie Manuel, Mike Scioscia, Buck Showalter, Jim Tracy, Ron Washington, and Eric Wedge.

*Terms & Conditions
A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of Prostate Cancer Foundation by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Messaging and Data Rates May Apply. All Donations must be authorized by the account holder. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to short code 20222; text HELP to 20222 for help.

 

---

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating research. Founded in 1993, PCF has raised more than $475 million and provided funding to over 1,600 research projects at nearly 200 institutions in 15 countries around the world. PCF advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and more efficient investment of governmental research funds supporting transformational cancer research. Our efforts have helped produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer. More information about PCF can be found at pcf.org.

---