Raising Funds For Flood Victims

The important influence which sports teams and their players can provide for disaster relief--can not be understated. They both have the resources to help others who have lost in unexpected tragedy.

Now Our Washington Nationals and Pitcher Joel Hanrahan are getting involved in flood relief for the many victims in his hometown state of Iowa and other parts of the Mid-West.

Good for Our Washington Nationals. Good for Joel Hanrahan.

The Press Release says it all.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS AND PITCHER JOEL HANRAHAN PARTNER WITH THE AMERICAN RED CROSS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR DISASTER VICTIMS
The Washington Nationals and pitcher Joel Hanrahan, a native of Norwalk, Iowa, have partnered with the American Red Cross for a fundraising campaign which includes an online auction on nationals.com to benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The fund helps the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, such as the tornadoes and floods in the Central United States. The auction will feature 13 sports memorabilia and/or experience packages and last for one week, Thursday, June 26 through Thursday, July 3. Auction items include the Ultimate Nats Fan Experience: four Presidents Club tickets, batting practice passes and autographed baseballs, batting practice meet and greet with Nationals pitcher Joel Hanrahan and other Nationals players, scoreboard welcome and ballpark tour. Additional items for auction include a round of golf for two with a Nationals player; pitching rubber signed by Nationals Hall of Fame Broadcaster Don Sutton and Orioles Hall of Fame Broadcaster Jim Palmer; and game-used items such as a baseball from the Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees game at RFK Memorial Stadium on June 6, 2006. A complete list of items may be found on nationals.com beginning on Thursday, June 26.

“The damage to the Central United States has been devastating,” said Nationals pitcher Joel Hanrahan. “I am proud to partner with the American Red Cross to help victims of these and other disasters.” Hanrahan also recorded a public service announcement for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Nationals fans attending the remaining games this homestand who are interested in donating to disaster relief efforts may do so during this evening’s game vs. the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and during the upcoming weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles, June 27 through 29. American Red Cross volunteers will be located at the Nationals Community Table, located in Center Field Plaza this evening as well as at Center Field, Home Plate and Third Base Gates for the weekend series against the Orioles.

About The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.