NewsFSN on-air auction a success
Second annual event raises funds for Pirates CharitiesBy Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
07/01/09 10:39 PM ET
PITTSBURGH -- Thanks to the success of Tuesday's "Pirates Charities on FSN Auction," Pirates Charities, the philanthropic arm of the organization, has $76,100 to give back to local youth programs and initiatives.Tuesday marked the second annual live on-air auction, with last year's raising $75,000. Through the seventh inning of Tuesday's game, fans called in to bid on eight premium Pirates experiences.
"The incredible success of the auction in these difficult economic times demonstrates again the remarkable generosity and compassion of Pittsburghers everywhere," team president Frank Coonelly said. "On behalf of the Pirates' organization, I want to thank FSN for devoting its airtime, talent and endless energy to making this auction one of our largest fund-raisers. And, of course, I would like to thank our great fans for their generosity and confidence in the work that we are doing in the community through Pirates Charities."
More than 500 bids from 18 states came in for the items, which included a VIP trip to Spring Training, a private pitching session with Paul Maholm and pitching coach Joe Kerrigan, and the opportunity to play a softball game at PNC Park.
Also as part of the auction, the Pirates have put an autographed "Bill Mazeroski Game Seven Home Run" lithograph online. Bids on the lithograph, which can be made on pirates.com, will be accepted until 9 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
