Tampa Bay Rays First Baseman Carlos Pena and Rays Foundation Combine to Donate $50K towards Haiti Relief Efforts

From the Rays:

ST. PETERSBURG, FL-To assist with Haiti relief efforts, the Tampa Bay Rays will contribute proceeds from the Tampa Bay Rays 2010 Fan Fest, presented by MetroPCS, to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund and Save the Children.

In addition, the Rays and the Rays Baseball Foundation will make donations totaling more than $50,000 to the two relief funds, including $15,000 from Rays first baseman Carlos Peña.  When the earthquake struck last week, Peña was visiting family in Santo Domingo, D.R., approximately 80 miles from Haiti.

"The tragedy in Haiti has impacted us all," said Rays President Matt Silverman.  "As an organization we wanted to help, and we encourage our fans to join in the global effort as well.  Together we can make a difference."

Fan Fest will be held Saturday, February 20 at Tropicana Field from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Admission and parking at Fan Fest remain free for all fans, but a $20 donation will allow fans the opportunity to get autographs from Rays players and coaches throughout the day.  Autographs for kids 14 and under and season ticket holders are free with a wristband.

The Rays will also accept donations for both charities during Fan Fest, which will once again feature numerous interactive experiences for children and families.

Fans can visit the Bright House Sports Network Kids Interactive Zone and take a swing in a big league batting cage, test their fastball in the speed pitch booth and hit a home run in the Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby.  Kids will also have the chance to run the bases and all fans can tour the Rays clubhouse.  There will be baseball card and memorabilia displays.

In addition, former major league players will be on hand throughout the day signing autographs.  There will also be panel discussions led by the Rays broadcasters interviewing baseball luminaries in the Batter's Eye restaurant.

Fans are encouraged to stop by the MetroPCS Call-A-Friend Stage from 1-3 p.m. to have the opportunity for a Rays player to call a friend or family member and receive the most up-to-date information on MetroPCS products.

Fans may call 888-FAN-RAYS or log on to www.raysbaseball.com for more information on the Rays 2010 Fan Fest.  More Fan Fest details will be released next month.