U.S. Fund for UNICEF recognizes Major League Baseball's contributions to Japan relief
U.S. Fund for UNICEF
NEW YORK (May 19, 2011)—A special recognition of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association(MLBPA) at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Annual Meeting capped a month of unprecedented mobilization by MLB and MLBPA in support of earthquake and tsunami disaster relief efforts in Japan.
"Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association hit a home run for UNICEF with their unique brand of support for Japanese children," said U.S. Fund for UNICEF President and CEO Caryl M. Stern. "Thank you for your extraordinary support and partnership." Her remarks introduced a video highlighting MLB and MLBPA’s contributions, after which she was joined on stage by Tom Brasuell of Major League Baseball and Tim Slavin from the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Highlights of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association support of UNICEF’s Japan relief efforts following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, shown during a special recognition of MLB and MLBPA at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF 2011 Annual Meeting.
On March 28, MLB and MLBPA announced a joint $500,000 contribution to UNICEF for Japan relief, leading off a collaborative effort on behalf of the league, all 30 Clubs, players, MLB Network and MLB.com encouraging baseball fans to support the effort during Opening Week and dates following. In-stadium fundraising drives allowed fans to join MLB and the MLBPA in offering additional support to the relief efforts. MLB Network and MLB.com worked with MLB and the MLBPA to encourage baseball fans to support the people of Japan in their time of need, adding another $80,000 in online gifts to the already extraordinary total.
"Major League Baseball is proud to provide help to our friends, peers and all the citizens of Japan at this critical time of need," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "We are united in our effort to offer assistance and support at this dire hour for the people of Japan. We will continue to work with the MLBPA, the Clubs and the players in the days and weeks ahead to do everything we can to help this nation."
"The MLBPA and its members joined with the Commissioner's Office and the Clubs in expressing our heartfelt concern for the welfare of the Japanese people, including our many friends in the Japanese baseball community," said MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner. "On behalf of the players, I also would like to thank the fans for their compassion and willingness to join in this effort."
The distribution of MLB and MLBPA funds was directed by the Japan Committee for UNICEF, which has a well-established network of relationships with private citizens, local NGOs, volunteers, schools and the business community.
On behalf of the children of Japan, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is proud to thank the following teams for their support:
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