SAVANNAH, GA – The Savannah Bananas are proud to announce that they have raised $79,184 for nonprofits in the 2017 season. Throughout the two-month season, the Bananas partnered with 60 different nonprofit organizations from the local community.
The team featured a different nonprofit at each home game. These groups were able to raise money through both ticket sales and 50/50 raffles. In addition to nonprofit organizations, money was raised for over 50 local schools.
Over $2600 was raised for the American Cancer Society on “Strike Out Cancer Night.” Fundraising efforts included a silent jersey auction.
“After receiving so much support from the community throughout our first two seasons, we truly appreciate having the opportunity to give back,” said Daniel Mackerty, Director of Group Sales.
Participating nonprofits included The Living Vine, Armstrong Students for Veterans, Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, Coastal Jail Ministries, The 200 Club of the Coastal Empire, Cory Joseph Memorial Inc, Ronald McDonald House Charities, 100 Black Men of Savannah, Safe Shelter, YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Savannah Tree Foundation, TailsSpin Cares, Horsin’ Around, Coastal Center for Developmental Services, LIFE Inc, Friends of Oatland Wildlife Center, Savannah Parrot head Club, Goodwill, Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia, March of Dimes, Economic Opportunity Authority, Step Up Savannah, Savannah Center for Blind and Low Vision, National Movement Alliance, Build A Bridge Foundation, Low Country Down Syndrome Society, Park Place Outreach, American Cancer Society, Savannah Children’s Choir, Hospice Savannah, Teal Walk for Ovarian Cancer, The Dream Campaign, May Institute, Senior Citizens Inc, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Special Kicks, Camp Sunshine, Handcuffed to my Hero, Jenkins Boys Club, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Georgia Animal Rescue and Defense, Savannah Kennel Club, Savannah PRIDE, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Mary Kay Foundation, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, AMBUCS, Shelter from the Rain Inc, Josh Reddick Foundation, and Make A Wish Georgia.
The Bananas will be keeping an active role in the community throughout the off-season. In addition to donations and mascot appearances, the Bananas will be hosting numerous fundraising events at Grayson Stadium.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 20th season in 2016, the CPL features 16 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 81 of those – including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.