Front Row, left to right:Olivia Graham, Abigail Watrobsky, Eddy Garabito, Chris Lehman. Back Row: Chuck Fradley, Brian Rigney, Rick Fawley, Diane Lehman.

(BRADENTON, FL - February 28, 2007) The last day of February was sunny and the temperature was in the mid 70's - a great day to go to a ballgame in Bradenton.

To make that scenario even brighter for education in Manatee County, the Pittsburgh Pirates donated the proceeds from their exhibition game that day against the Manatee Community College Lancers to Manatee County Schools. It's just one of the ways the Pirates give back to the community that has been their winter home for almost 40 years.

"We love being part of this community and we're committed to doing anything we can to help support education here," said Trevor Gooby, Director of Florida Operations for the Pirates.

Plans call for the proceeds from the game to be split evenly between the Manatee Education Foundation and Wakeland Elementary. The Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance educational opportunities for teachers and students of Manatee County's public schools that cannot be funded with tax dollars. Wakeland, which is located directly across the street from the Pirates' winter headquarters, has a long-time association with the professional baseball club.

"Historically, the Pirates have had a wonderful relationship with this community and with our school district," said School Board member Harry Kinnan. "I think it's terrific that they take the time and make the effort to invest in education in our area."

Mr. Kinnan was one of several special guests from the school district invited to attend the Pirates game against the Lancers. Other district guests included Wakeland students Olivia Graham and Abigail Watrobsky, Wakeland principal Chuck Fradley, Education Foundation Board Chairman Rick Fawley, Foundation Development Coordinator Diane Lehman and Dawn Lengel, Business Partner and Volunteer Coordinator for the district.

Manatee Community College sophomore and Manatee High graduate Brian Rigney received the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game. Rigney has received state and local honors for his volunteer work that includes tutoring adult education students at Manatee Technical Institute and mentoring young musicians at Manatee High.

In related news, the Pirates beat the Lancers 8-1.

Pittsburgh Pirate Eddy Garabito leads Wakeland students Olivia Graham and Abigail Watrobsky onto the grass at McKechnie Field.