Marlins raise $150K for education in South Florida via fantasy auction
MIAMI -- The Miami Marlins announced Friday that the Marlins Foundation raised $150,000 through the FOX Sports Fantasy Auction held last night at Marlins Park. The amount marked the most raised in the event's 11-year history, surpassing last year's total of $125,500. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Marlins Education Fund.
"We are extremely proud of last night and the success of this year's Fantasy Auction," said Marlins Vice President and Executive Director of the Marlins Foundation Alfredo Mesa. "The Marlins Foundation staff works very hard alongside our partners at FOX Sports for this event. We are especially grateful to Steve Tello, Brett Opdyke, John Sulser and Rich Waltz, for their hard work, commitment and efforts to those who benefit from the auction. The money raised goes a long way in supporting the education initiatives of the Marlins Foundation and the organization's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility."
"This has become such a unique and amazing event," said FOX Sports Florida broadcaster Rich Waltz. "With the support of the Marlins and FOX Sports Florida, an idea has blossomed into an incredible night of charity." For the 11th consecutive year, FOX Sports Florida, the exclusive regional television home of the Marlins, hosted a special on-air auction giving viewers at home and fans at Marlins Park the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime packages. The Marlins Education Fund was established to provide financial support to education-focused partners of the team. Beneficiaries have included local universities and organizations such as Teach For America, City Year Miami, Breakthrough Miami, 5000 Role Models of Excellence, the National Academy Foundation and the College Assistance Program, Inc.
Since moving to Marlins Park, the Marlins Foundation has donated over $1 million to education initiatives.
