The Cause

Funds raised at the tournament will help provide up to 1,000 Big League baseball experiences for at-risk youth and children awaiting adoption and help fund Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals for pediatric patients coping with illness or injury.

BLUE for Kids enriches the lives of at-risk youth and children coping with serious illness by providing memorable sports experiences, supporting pediatric medical care, and raising the awareness of foster care children waiting to be adopted. Here's how:

BLUE Crew Tickets for At-Risk Youth
A professional sporting event is just the ticket to inspire a child in foster care or strengthen a mentor/youth match. Children with The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the I Have a Dream Foundation receive game tickets courtesy of the umpires.

With the assistance of teams around the league, like the Tampa Bay Rays, experiences also include a pre-game meet-and-greet, souvenir baseball, and on-field photo. Proceeds from the bowling tournament make it possible for each child to also receive a sandwich and soda at the game.

Big League BLUE Reach for Pediatric Patients
This BLUE for Kids children’s hospital program is a fun and interactive event designed to reduce the stress that a family experiences when a child is hospitalized. Big League BLUE Reach captures the spirit of the in-store experience and brings it to the hospital.  Umpires visit children over a two hour period in a room-to-room format.  Kids choose a pre-stuffed bear, puppy, or kitten along with a choice of outfits (e.g., baseball player, cheerleader, hula dancer, pirate).  Umpires take time to dress each stuffed animal and personalize baseballs.