Since the founding of Little League® in 1939, community support has been vital to not only Little League International, but also to the 7,000 local leagues around the world. A long-standing tradition at the Little League Baseball® World Series will be changed this year, as Little League will donate all proceeds from the “pass the can” contributions to six local, Williamsport-area service organizations. Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO, announced this new initiative at the annual Little League Baseball World Series Luncheon on Wednesday, June 10.
A fundraiser that often takes place on local Little League fields around the world, ushers at the Little League Baseball World Series passed a donation can so spectators could support the organization. In keeping with this tradition, these donation cans will now be circulated during the final game of each day throughout the 10-day tournament. At the end of the World Series, the total money will be divided among six organizations that are directly connected to Little League International and the Little League Baseball World Series. The charities receiving donations this year are the South Williamsport Fire Companies, Susquehanna Health’s Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center, American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Williamsport’s Little League Intentional Walkers team, Hope Enterprises, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association’s Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation, and Lycoming County Brotherhood Association’s Camp Cadet.
“The pass the can donations have become a wonderful tradition at the Little League Baseball World Series, and shows that while there is a spotlight on Williamsport during this time, these games are just like the Little League games played around the world,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “We are pleased that we can continue this tradition, while supporting some organizations here in our hometown that not only support Little League throughout the year, but who do wonderful work in supporting the entire community through their collective efforts.”
The organizations receiving donations will also be recognized during the Little League Baseball World Series games. Previously, “pass the can” contributions went to offset the cost of operating the tournament.
The 2015 Little League Baseball World Series will begin with Opening Ceremonies at Volunteer Stadium on Thursday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m., and conclude with the Little League Baseball World Series Championship Game at Howard J. Lamade Stadium on Sunday, August 30, at 3:00 p.m.