June 11 event raised money for Big League Impact, Wainwright’s nonprofit
Ever dream of golfing with a St. Louis Cardinals player– or several? How about Adam Wainwright, Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt, Steven Matz, and Drew VerHagen? Sunday some lucky fans got to do just that at Big League Impact’s “Swinging for Impact” at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 11 at St. Louis’ Topgolf (16851 N. Outer 40 Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005).
CommunityAmerica was the presenting sponsor and members of the ESPN 101 Opening Drive Morning Show were the emcees: Randy Karraker, Brooke Grimsley and Cary Davis.
The photo, left shows former Cardinals pitcher Andy Benes, Karraker, Wainwright and Davis.
As a light rain fell or threatened much of the day and the Cardinals lost to the Reds at Busch 4-3, the spirit of the fans was not dampened at the event. The best part of the day was that the golfers are covered and the rain did not interfere in the fun.
Participants got to enjoy an evening of camaraderie and competition alongside their favorite Cardinals players. All proceeds from the event will benefit Big League Impact, the nonprofit Wainwright started in 2013 to help bring MLB players and fans together to raise money for a variety of important causes.
“I’m so excited to be hosting another Swinging for Impact event here in St. Louis,” Wainwright, who was the starting pitcher in Sunday’s game said.
Those who came to the event got to golf with sone of the Cardinals players and many got photos made.
The photo, left shows Paul Goldschmidt and Jack Flaherty posing with a fan.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with each other, have fun, and most importantly, give back to those in need,” said Wainwright. “I’m beyond excited to see so many of my fellow players involved and ready to make a difference in the world, and I can’t wait to share that experience with the best fans in baseball.”
The event included the golf with a player, food and three drinks tickets for beer and wine. Winners took home a three-month Topgolf Platinum Elite membership for six individuals.
During the event there was a silent auction with great sports items, like the Wainwright jersey, shown left.
The Cardinals veteran hurler didn’t let the outcome of the game get him down as he greeted fans and joined in the fun. There was a big crowd with a lot of money raised for charity and a lot of good will with the Cardinals players.
About Big League Impact: www.bigleagueimpact.org
Big League Impact, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that partners with professional athletes through unique, sports-related fundraising platforms to help people meet basic human needs like food, clean water, medical care, shelter, and education in an effort to save lives, restore dignity, and instill hope.
Started by St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright in 2013 as a fantasy football fundraiser, Big League Impact has grown from coast-to-coast, working with more than 100 MLB players, and raising more than $8 million for causes around the world.
