Tampa Bay Rays Raise $300,000 At Game Benefiting Orlando Victims

It was their largest crowd in over a decade.
From: NewNowNext

 Last weekend Tampa Bay Rays played in front of their largest crowd in a decade, raising over $300,000 for the victims of the Orlando shooting.

The game against the San Francisco Giants brought in over 40,000 fans to the Tropicana Field for the Pride Night event. Tickets to the event were $5 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Pulse Victims Fund.

The family of Amanda Alvear, a Pulse victim, is with us tonight. We are #AlvearStrong. pic.twitter.com/kSd0JjLcvm

— #VoteRays (@RaysBaseball) June 18, 2016

“The crowd was big, that’s for sure,” said Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash. “I saw we raised so much money. That’s great for all of the tragedy that’s taken place over there over the last week.”

“I think today will be just a great moment if baseball can make everybody smile, enjoy a great baseball game, feel a little closer to one another,” said gay former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. “It’s not specific to one person or another, or race or gender or color or sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s about people feeling connected and supportive.”

Special guest @billybeanball, @MLB VP of Inclusion & Social Responsibility, threw tonight's ceremonial first pitch.https://t.co/bUw8Nw836P

— #VoteRays (@RaysBaseball) June 18, 2016

The team also wore “We Are Orlando” rainbow t-shirts during batting practice before the game.

“It’s just a tragedy what happened, and to see how people came together, united, and poured out their hearts for what happened in Orlando really made it a special night,” said Giants manager Bruce Bochy.

This isn’t the only fundraising event the Rays have scheduled this season. The team is also holding a Pride in the Park event on July 9 with proceeds from ticket sales also going to the Pulse Victims Fund.