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The D-backs recently reached $85 million in donations since the organization began play in 1998. It’s an accomplishment they value as much as the success they’ve had on the field during this period.
“We spend the whole season fundraising,” said Debbie Castaldo, senior vice president of corporate and community impact for the D-backs. “And the offseason is when we really get the most joy out of giving it our all. So this is the time of year where we go out and try to make a difference.
The D-backs have a lot of players who live in the Phoenix metro area during the off-season, and getting them to participate in team events requires no arm twisting.
“We were so lucky that our players wanted to participate, they really want to make a difference,” Castaldo said.
NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll is playing in a number of events. The outfielder even contacted the community affairs department to find charities where he could make the biggest impact.
Here’s a look at some of the events D-backs players, coaches and front office members will be participating in over the next month:
November 20: Turkey donation to St. Mary’s Food Bank
St. Mary’s Food Bank drop-off location
2831 N. 31st Ave.
Phoenix, Arizona 85009
The D-backs will donate 1,000 turkeys to fill a need and rally support for last-minute donations. Right-hander Kevin Ginkel and first baseman/outfielder Pavin Smith will be part of the D-backs contingent.
November 27: Fun Visit to Bat School #2
Joseph Zito Elementary School
D-backs Fun At Bat, locally supported by Whataburger, is an entry-level bat and ball program that promotes a fun, active lifestyle for children while teaching them the fundamental skills of bat and ball sports ball. The Fun At Bat program is free to schools and school districts and includes curriculum and equipment needed for grades K-5.
December 2: APS Electric Light Parade
7:00 p.m. MST
Parade start location: Central Ave. and Montebello Ave.
Parade end location: 7th Street and Indian School Road.
This year will be the 35th annual APS Electric Light Parade, with the theme “Light up the Night.” The 2.3-mile-long parade is free for families and is produced and coordinated by the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department.
“We have a number of players lined up for this because this year we are celebrating our National League championship,” Castaldo said. “So fans will be treated to a handful of D-backs players greeting and thanking the fans while celebrating our National League championship.”
December 6: Shopping trip for the return home
The D-backs are teaming up with Homeward Bound, a local nonprofit that creates pathways out of poverty for homeless families in the Valley. The D-backs will treat 40 Homeward Bound teens to a $250 shopping spree to purchase gifts and items needed to make the holiday season a little brighter. D-backs players and coaches will be paired one-on-one with teens to help create the ultimate shopping experience. It will be a fun-filled evening including dinner, shopping and gift wrapping.
“This one is always popular with our players,” Castaldo said. “My favorite thing is when you have a child who absolutely wants an Xbox or a cell phone and instead buys a bathrobe for their mother and a lamp for the house. You really see their care and desire to do things not only for themselves but also for their family.
December 9: D-backs Nike Jr. RBI Clinic #2
The D-backs Nike Jr. RBI program introduces youth under the age of 12 to baseball and softball, with an emphasis on fundamentals. The program is free for all participants. The mission is to reintroduce, revive and rebuild interest and participation in baseball and softball among underserved youth in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley.
“There will be a surprise D-backs celebrity for this one,” Castaldo said.
December 13: D-backs Winter Classic, supported by the University of Phoenix
Each December, the D-backs, in partnership with the University of Phoenix, transform Chase Field into a winter wonderland by inviting deserving Title 1 schools for the annual Winter Classic event. Each student receives a brand new pair of sneakers, two books, a school bag and a sweatshirt. Activities vary, but include the University of Phoenix Reading Corner, photos with Santa, D-backs Baseball Academy, dancing and more.
“This one was started by Randy Johnson 25 years ago,” Castaldo said.
December 14: D-backs Boys and Girls Club Christmas Party
The D-backs will host more than 100 boys and girls (ages 6-16) at the 13th annual Christmas Party at the D-backs branch of the Boys & Girls Club to celebrate the holiday season and receive a sweatshirt , a free toy and meal.
“We make sure that Santa delivers a brand new toy to each of the children,” Castaldo said. “This year we will also have a snow machine for the children to enjoy.”
