St. Louis, MO (May 22, 2012) – St. Louis Cardinals and Homers for Health co-chairs Matt Holliday and David Freese continue to team up for the kids at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, this time with their Home Run Derby Championships, held today in Forest Park.

Forty seven area schools participated in Homers for Health fundraising activities, including 23 schools that held a wiffle ball Home Run Derby contest, advancing winners to today’s finals. Eighteen schools were represented at the Championships (67 students from ages 5-14), with Holliday and Freese helping the kids hit from the batter’s box. $19,490.48 has been raised through Homers for Health school activities so far.

Holliday and Freese have been encouraging fans to make a pledge in 25-cent increments for every home run the Cardinals hit in 2012. All donors who make a pledge receive a Rally Tally Scorecard and a Homers for Health window cling. Any pledge over 50 cents also receives a commemorative photo of the players thanking them for their support. 

“We are grateful to all of the area schools who participated in Homers for Health fundraising activities and we look forward to more joining us next year” said Dan Buck, executive director of the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation. “It has been a great way for school children to give back and help other kids who are less fortunate.”

The Home Run Derby is sponsored by Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Homers for Health is presented by Centene Charitable Foundation and powered by Peabody.  Pledge forms are available at all Dierbergs locations. Cardinals fans can also make their Homers for Health pledge online.