Tampa Bay Rays
raysbaseball.com
show/hide [+]
Untitled Document

The Rays Wives Organization participates in community focused events throughout the baseball season across the Tampa Bay area



The signature Rays Wives event, the Rays on the Runway Fashion Show to benefit the Children’s Dream Fund, took place on June 14, 2012. The annual event hosts players and coaches who are paired with their significant other, or a child participating from the Children’s Dream Fund, an organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. The couples walk the runway and model the season’s newest fashions. The event raises more than $70,000 annually for the Dream Fund.

The Citrus Cup Classic is a softball game held between the Rays Wives and the Marlins Wives. The game is held prior to their husbands taking the field in their own match up. In 2011 the game was held at home with a result of the Marlins Wives 6, Rays Wives, 1. For the second annual Citrus Cup Classic the Wives decided to add a charity component with the winning team being able to donate to their charity of choice. This time the Rays Wives took on the Marlins Wives on the road, playing in the new Marlins Park. The Rays Wives won 14-2 with 22 hits! They raised over $3,000 for Autism Speaks that night.

In July, the wives teamed up with Waste Management for a “Thanksmas in July” drive to benefit Salvation Army St. Petersburg Area Command. Toiletries and personal items were collected during the Detroit series from June 29 – July 1. Monetary donations were also collected and distributed to the Salvation Army to supplement the supplies. All fans who donated items to the Waste Management Bagster bags could register to win Rays prizes and tickets.

In September 2012, the Wives hosted their 2nd Annual Mystery Ball and Silent Auction benefiting All Children’s Hospital. The popular event featured a silent auction of unique items donated by players and coaches and “mystery ball” grab bags. These grab bags included baseballs autographed by Rays players and coaches along with a selection of players from visiting teams. Mystery Ball raised over $34,000 to benefit All Children’s Hospital.

The partnership between the Rays, Rays Wives and Pet Pal animal shelter began in 2012 with the creation of the first ever "Players and Pooches" 13-month, full-color calendar. The calendar featured Rays Manager Joe Maddon with his Great Dane, Athena, and his English Bulldog, Winston; Evan Longoria and his Boerboel Mastiff, Tatum and Bull Terrier, Jango, both rescues; David Price and his beloved French Bulldog, Astro; and B.J. Upton with Deuce, a Rhodesian Ridgeback as well as several other players and their pets. All photos were taken by James Shields’ wife, Ryane Shields.

The Wives and Pet Pal Animal Shelter also partnered for a Pet Food Drive at Tropicana Field on September 20th. Fans were encouraged to bring Science Diet brands, or other nutritious dog and cat food to assist the Pet Pal Animal Shelter community. Wives and volunteers from the shelter were on hand to collect donations and sell “Players and Pooches” calendars.

Pet Pal is a no-kill, non-profit organization committed to rescuing dogs and cats from animal shelters where they may otherwise be euthanized due to time limitations or lack of socialization or training. Pet Pal is also dedicated to educating the public about the pet overpopulation crisis, the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of MLB Advanced Media, L.P. All rights reserved MLB.com Terms of Use | MLB.com Privacy Policy