Even in the midst of a bad economy minor-league teams are maintaining their charitable donations. Today we have news about the Frederick Keys' charitable giving; we expect more announcements during the rest of the week.

The Frederick Keys (High Class A; Carolina League) announced that in partnership with its marketing colleagues and fans, have donated $375,000 to local charities, causes and schools in 2009.  

“The charitable outreach of our organization, whether it is donating tickets, making an appearance or raising money for a cause, is a source of great pride,” Keys General Manager Dave Ziedelis said. “We are committed to giving back to those in Frederick and the surrounding counties.”

In its 13th year, the Keys for Reading Program pushed students to read outside of the classroom in order to earn a free Keys ticket. In 2009, 209 schools from 11 different counties participated in the program. All-in-all area students were given more than $175,000 in free tickets. 

Ovations Food Services allows local organizations to man its concession stands for a percentage of the money that is sold at its stand. Throughout the season, over $75,000 was given back to community organizations.

Many auctions helped local charities in 2009. Red, white and blue game worn jerseys featuring the notation of the Star Spangled Banner were auctioned off for Art in the Park Night (April 24) in benefit of the Frederick Arts Council. On Breast Cancer Awareness Night (July 26), the Keys auctioned off pink game worn hats, bats and bases. American Red Cross Night (August 15) featured game worn disaster relief jerseys that were auctioned off. The Keys Café at Harry Grove Stadium was the site of two blood drives. The Keys raffled a signed Nick Markakis jersey on Salute to the O’s Night (July 25) and a team signed broom on Harry Potter Night (July 13).

Nearly $15,000 in tickets, merchandise and appearances were donated to local organizations this past year. The Keys, its mascot Keyote and its players combined to take part in 136 community appearances this year.

Throughout the season, local organizations used Keys tickets as a way to fundraise. All-in-all nearly 7,000 Keys tickets were purchased and re-sold to raise money throughout the community.

Many local organizations were involved with the Keys for special events at Harry Grove Stadium. Along with The Frederick Arts Council  - Art in the Park Night, Breast Cancer Awareness Night and the American Red Cross Jersey Auction, the Keys hosted Challenger Little League (June 13-14) and NAACP Negro League Night (August 20). The Keys donated marketing opportunities to local non-profit causes such as United Way, Goodwill, National Kidney Foundation and the US Census among others over the course of the season.

The Keys held its annual Golf Tournament August 17th to support Joel’s Kids – now known as Frederick Keys Care. Frederick Keys Care is an established fund formally known as the Joel A. Stephens Fund with the Community Foundation of Frederick County.

The fund is in honor of Stephens, an outfielder in the Orioles system who was diagnosed with cancer in 1998. The 22-year old pitcher would have been a Key in 1999, but he passed away during that baseball season. Proceeds from the fund support local youth driven organizations.

Frederick Keys Care was also supported by the Wendy’s K’s For Kids program that donated $5,000 for the 2009 season. Over the lifespan of the fund, the Keys have raised more than $100,000.

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