"Pack the Park"

VIERA, Fla. - America's national pastime and America's largest organization funding childhood cancer research will come together at Space Coast Stadium on July 3, combining Independence Day celebrations with a night of raising awareness for childhood cancer research.
The Brevard County Manatees will "Pack the Park" with an evening full of events surrounding that night's game, promoting and raising money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

"The Space Coast has been very, very supportive of the St. Baldrick's Foundation," said volunteer event organizer Garrett Lamp. "The Manatees have been a great organization to work with. They've been a fantastic community partner for us, supporting St. Baldrick's, childhood cancer and our mission."

Scheduled events include raffles, information tables, a field of dreams featuring patients and survivors from Brevard County, Home Run to Remember with Ryan Campanaro, an 8-year old from Melbourne in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a military salute honoring an area serviceman. There will be a blood drive from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m and the National Marrow Donor Program will also be set up on the concourse to enlist potential bone marrow matches for life saving transplants. A fireworks show will take place immediately after the conclusion of the game.

Additionally, members of the Manatees front office staff, coaches and players will shave their heads in support of St. Baldrick's before, during and after the game. Among those volunteering to participate are General Manager Kyle Smith, field manager Joe Ayrault, second baseman Greg Hopkins, designated hitter Cody Hawn, pitcher Stephen Peterson and more.

"We are excited to partner with the St. Baldrick's Foundation because we firmly believe in its values and its mission," said Manatees Assistant General Manager Chad Lovitt. "It is a large, up and coming non-profit in Brevard County, one of few focusing specifically on childhood cancer research, and has already impacted so many families in our area."

After a head-shaving event at The Avenue Viera in March, St. Baldrick's has gained over $250,000 from the area in 2013 alone and is nearing the $500,000 mark in just three years of fundraising in Brevard County. Volunteers will be accepting donations at the park, with a portion of ticket proceeds going towards the foundation.

Until July 1, $4 of the $7 ticket price will be donated directly to the foundation when fans mention St. Baldrick's at the time of purchase. Along with the Manatees box office, other locations where tickets can be bought include: Firehouse Graphics in Merritt Island, World of Beer & Pizza Gallery at The Avenue Viera, Speech Path Brevard and Dr. Richard Helton in Suntree, Fia's Italian Restaurant in N. Melbourne, Play it Again Sports in W. Melbourne and beachside at Christie's 5th Ave Salon.