Cards’ efforts felt throughout local community

ST. LOUIS — Though the Cardinals fell short in their efforts to advance to the postseason for a sixth straight season, it was another banner year off the field in 2016 as the Cardinals made an impact on the St. Louis community.

No initiative raised more money for Cardinals Care, the organization’s philanthropic arm, than the 50/50 raffle. That raffle, a fixture during home games, generated over $665,000, half of which benefited Cardinals Care directly. Among the initiatives those funds supported was the organization’s Grant Program, which distributed over $300,000 to 145 non-profit groups that work with local children.

• Cardinals in the community

Other fundraising events to benefit Cardinals Care included the mid-September 6K and One Mile Fun Run, which featured over 750 participants, and the 27th annual Ted Savage RBI Golf Classic. That June golf event raised proceeds to benefit the RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities) program in St. Louis. Those funds also helped Cardinals Care offset its annual $50,000 contribution to RBI and the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club.

Another $95,000 was raised for Cardinals Care through the Busch Stadium auctions, which took place at every Tuesday and Friday home game.

One of the most notable projects undertaken by Cardinals Care this year was the construction and dedication of its 22nd youth ballfield. The newest facility, which is located at Bob Russell Park, …

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