RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond Flying Squirrels will distribute more than $40,000 to Richmond-area COVID-19 relief organizations thanks to money raised in "opening day" fundraisers.
On April 16, two fundraisers “500 Bases of Love” and “Bring it Home” by the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Sports Radio 910 The Fan raised more than $30,000 for COVID-19 relief.
With an additional $10,000 contribution from Flying Squirrels Charities, more than $40,000 will be distributed to local organizations combating needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Holli Fund, The Community Foundation, Robins Foundation’s Family Crisis Fund through RVA Strong, Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, Nourish Henrico and Chesterfield Food Bank.
On Thursday, April 16, the date originally scheduled as the team’s home opener, Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell walked 125 laps around the base paths at The Diamond, touching 500 bases, as part of the “500 Bases of Love” fundraiser.
Each lap and each base touched were representative of donations made to the fundraiser. Parney’s walk totaled more than 8.5 miles.
Later on Thursday afternoon, Parney joined Wes McElroy on Sports Radio 910 The Fan for “Bring it Home,” a four-hour live fundraiser with celebrity guests and prize opportunities for donors.
The money from the fundraisers will be distributed to organizations assisting families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as groups helping those who are combating the outbreak.