DECEMBER '05
ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION HOLIDAY PARTY - DECEMBER 14
The Astros in Action Foundation hosted its annual Holiday Party for Houston-area children. Members of S.E.A.R.C.H.'s House of Tiny Treasures (serving the homeless) and Casa de Esperanza (assisting children in crisis) ran the bases at Minute Maid Park, were treated to a holiday lunch and magic show, and received toys from Santa Claus and the Astros. During a separate event on December 19, Drayton McLane donated 44 toy bulldozers and other trucks signed by Roy Oswalt to the Star of Hope Mission (serving the homeless).

GIFT OF PRODUCE - DECEMBER 9
The Astros hosted at Minute Maid Park the Houston Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association's 19th Annual Gift of Produce presentation to the Houston Food Bank, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need during the holiday season.

OCTOBER '05
WORLD SERIES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PROJECT - OCTOBER 25
Prior to Game Three of the World Series, the Houston Astros joined Major League Baseball and Habitat for Humanity International in the construction of eight houses to benefit families that lost their homes as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The eight houses, built through the Major League Baseball Rebuilds program, represented each of the eight teams in the 2005 postseason. Participating the build were Astros owner Drayton McLane, GM Tim Purpura, President of Business Operations Pam Gardner, Chris Burke, Adam and Jennifer Everett, Dan and Stephanie Wheeler, Doug Mansolino, Carol Garner, and Teresa Lamb.

SEPTEMBER '05
Hurricane Katrina Relief Drive - September 2-4
From September 2-4, the Astros held a Hurricane Katrina Relief Drive at Minute Maid Park in conjunction with the Houston Food Bank and Academy Sports & Outdoors. Astros staff members and other volunteers collected enough donations to fill two 48-foot-long Academy Sports & Outdoors semi-trucks. On Sunday (September 4), several Astros Wives assisted in the collection efforts including Mary Pat Bailey, Jennifer Everett, Kristin Gallo, Teresa Lamb, Kasey Lane, Lindsay Lidge, Nicole Oswalt, Jennifer Taveras and Stephanie Wheeler.

Items collected for the Houston Food Bank included baby items, paper goods, cleaning supplies, bottled drinking water, single-serving snacks that require no refrigeration, heat-and-eat foods, canned vegetables, and peanut butter. Additional donations of clothing, books, household items, and toys benefited the Salvation Army in their Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The Houston Food Bank, now in its 23rd year of operation, is a private, nonprofit organization that feeds the hungry by providing food and other essentials to more than 400 member programs in 18 southeast Texas counties.

Astros In Action Foundation Blood Drive - September 3
The Astros in Action Foundation, in conjunction with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and ARAMARK, held an AIAF Blood Drive at Minute Maid Park on September 3. The drive netted over 160 donations, double the amount normally collected at a drive. The blood collected at the Astros in Action Foundation Blood Drive will help out Houstonians and patients from other parts of the Gulf Coast who have come to Houston to seek relief from Hurricane Katrina. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center provides blood and blood components to patients in over 200 hospitals and healthcare facilities in its 24-county service area.

Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund Night - September 2
At the game on September 2 versus the St. Louis Cardinals, the Astros held Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund Night in conjunction with the American Red Cross. Officials from the Red Cross, joined by Oscar De la Rosa and other members of the Grammy Award-winning group La Mafia, were on-hand at Minute Maid Park as the Red Cross collected over $18,000 in donations for relief efforts.

AUGUST '05
Berkman's Bunch - August 20
Lance Berkman, in conjunction with The Methodist Hospital System, hosted the final Berkman's Bunch of the 2005 season on August 20 prior to the Astros 6:05 p.m. game with the Milwaukee Brewers. Berkman met with over 50 children from Sterling High School and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, signed autographs for them, and gave them gifts and tickets to the game.

The Berkman's Bunch program, currently in its fifth year, allows children from the Houston area to meet Berkman up close and attend a baseball game at Minute Maid Park. Before every Saturday home game during the summer, Berkman greets 50 children and welcomes them by giving them autographs and gifts. Many of the Berkman's Bunch kids are underprivileged children who otherwise may not have an opportunity to attend an Astros game. The children are part of a number of organizations chosen by Methodist and Berkman. Participating organizations include Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Fort Bend County Women's Shelter, DePelchin's Children's Center, Northwest Assistance Ministries, and TOMAGWA.

Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Scholarships - August 18
Minute Maid and the Houston Astros announced on August 18 that Jameson Lewis (Texas Southern University/Galveston Ball High School) and Roxanne Barron (Grambling University/Barbara Jordan High School) were selected as the first-ever recipients of the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Scholarship. Each student received a $2,500 scholarship to attend the college of their choice. Lewis and Barron were the special guests of Minute Maid and the Astros at the game versus the Milwaukee Brewers complete with a VIP on-field viewing of batting practice, a special pre-game ceremony, tickets to the game for them and their family, and the chance to meet Astros pitcher and Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Official Spokesperson Brandon Backe.

Earlier this year, the makers of Minute Maid and the Astros announced the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Scholarship program to assist Houston-area high school senior boys and girls with college expenses. The two organizations will fund and support up to two $2,500 scholarships per year. In the inaugural year of the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball Scholarship program, the college scholarships were awarded to senior boys and/or girls participating in Houston's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program.

RBI Year-End Party - August 14
The Houston Astros hosted a year-end party for participants in Houston's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program on August 14 at Minute Maid Park. The RBI baseball and softball coaches, over 50 youth players, and family members attended the party and stayed to watch the Astros take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Astros TV Broadcaster Bill Brown emceed a short program during the party including a question and answer session with Astros Bench Coach Cecil Cooper and Astros Assistant General Manager Ricky Bennett.

Managed by Major League Baseball, RBI is a youth outreach program designed to promote interest in baseball and softball, increase the self-esteem of disadvantaged children, and encourage kids to stay in school. The Houston RBI program is run by the Houston RBI Booster Club with support from the Houston Astros and the City of Houston.

Baseball Tomorrow Fund Baseball/Softball Equipment Drive - August 13
The Astros continued their support of youth participation in baseball and softball by teaming with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund for a Baseball/Softball Equipment Drive at the game on August 13. The Astros collected new and used equipment in the lobby of Union Station to benefit Baseball City, a community outreach effort of The Refuge, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit community development center in the Third Ward that matches the resources of the advantaged with the needs of the disadvantaged in a way that benefits both.

With the assistance of Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg, The Baseball Tomorrow Fund awarded a grant of $5,000 to Baseball City during a pre-game ceremony to purchase additional new equipment. This marks the first year the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has teamed with Major League Baseball clubs to augment their existing equipment collection programs and to help facilitate the creation of new programs.

The Baseball Tomorrow Fund is designed to promote and enhance the growth of baseball throughout the world by funding programs, field improvements and equipment purchases to encourage and maintain youth participation in baseball and softball. Since its inception in 1999, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund has awarded grants totaling more than $8 million benefiting 90,000 youth participating in more than 160 youth baseball and softball programs across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands and Europe. For more info, visit www.baseballtomorrowfund.com

Sunshine Kids Party - August 11
The 14th annual Sunshine Kids Party on the field at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, August 11. Biggio and his wife, Patty, have had a long-standing relationship with the Sunshine Kids that has spanned almost the length of Biggio's career as a Houston Astro.

The Sunshine Kids, a support group for children with cancer and their families, adds quality of life to children with cancer by providing them with exciting, positive group activities.

The Biggios' commitment to the Kids has resulted in numerous contributions to the foundation, including a pool table for the game room, Jungle Gym and a party deck, which is used for activities for the kids at the Sunshine Kids house.

Biggio also hosts an annual golf tournament, and all proceeds go to the Sunshine Kids.
Operation School Supplies - August 9
The Houston Astros encouraged fans to bring new school supplies to the August 9 game with the Washington Nationals as part of Operation School Supplies (OSS). Every fan who donated school supplies received a coupon sheet featuring participating OSS partners. The OSS program was launched in 1990 and provides basic resources that needy elementary school-age students require to succeed in the classroom including pencils, paper, notebooks and pens.

The founding partners of the program, the Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Houston Alumni Organization, developed Operation School Supplies to give back to the community by supporting youth and education. The Astros have been a partner of OSS for several years. During the 14 years since the program's inception, more than $971,000 has been raised to purchase school supplies. Last year alone, OSS raised $140,000 that benefited 17,700 Houston-area elementary school students.

JULY '05
White House Tee Ball Game - July 24
On Sunday, July 24, Andy Pettitte traveled to the White House to participate in a Tee Ball game on the South Lawn. A team from Houston's West University Little League squared off against a team from Williamsport, PA. Both teams are part of the Little League Challenger Division for children who are mentally or physically disabled. Each player had a chance to bat with assistance from Pettitte, play defense and received an autographed ball from President George W. Bush. The game was followed by a picnic on the South Lawn for players and their families.

Walter Reed Army Medical Center - Bethesda Naval Hospital - July 22 and 23
The Houston Astros players and coaches, joined by owner Drayton McLane, President of Business Operations Pam Gardner, General Manager Tim Purpura, and Manager Phil Garner, visited with injured soldiers July 22 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Following the visit, the Astros attended a BBQ at The Mologne House for patients and their families along with members of the Texas Congressional Delegation. The Mologne House, located on the Walter Reed complex, provides housing for injured soldiers and their families. Players who participated in this event were Brandon Backe, Lance Berkman, Chris Burke, Mike Burns, Morgan Ensberg, Mike Gallo, Chad Harville, Brad Lidge, Roy Oswalt, Andy Pettitte, Chad Qualls, Humberto Quintero, Wandy Rodriquez, Russ Springer, Willy Taveras and Dan Wheeler. On Saturday, July 23, the Astros continued their community outreach in Washington, D.C. with a visit to patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital. Astros who participated in the event were Drayton McLane, Tim Purpura, Brad Ausmus, Craig Biggio, Eric Bruntlett, Adam Everett, Mike Lamb, Jason Lane, Orlando Palmeiro, and Jose Vizcaino, and Milo Hamilton.

The Methodist Hospital Day - July 6
On July 6, several Astros participated in the annual Methodist Hospital Day. Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton emceed the event, while Lance Berkman, Brad Lidge, Morgan Ensberg, Jose Vizcaino and mascot Junction Jack entertained the patients, doctors, and nurses by participating in an assortment of light-hearted contests. The games of the day included Basepaths crazy relay game; Made-to-Order Hot Dogs race; Rush Junction Jack to the Emergency Room; and The Cake Decorating Contest. The day was capped by visits to patient rooms throughout the hospital.

Cell Phones for Soldiers - July 4
The Astros and Cingular Wireless joined forces for the Cell Phones for Soldiers Drive. Astros fans were asked to bring their old cell phones to the Fourth of July game where volunteers from the Kingwood First Presbyterian Church collected the old phones at all of the Minute Maid Park gates. The drive netted over 1,000 donated cell phones, which went to help purchase phone cards for America's soldiers to call home through Cell Phones for Soldiers, a national non-profit organization started by two Massachusetts teenagers. Every fan who donated a phone received a coupon for a free Astros American Spirit package good at any participating Cingular Wireless store. In addition, Cingular Wireless made it possible for all American military personnel and families of American military personnel in attendance at the Fourth of July game to call their loved one anywhere in the world for free over the Cingular Wireless network.

JUNE '05
Astros Wives Charity Softball Game - June 25
Pink, green, blue and orange Astros uniforms decorated Minute Maid Park as the Astros Wives took the field on June 25 for the inaugural Houston Astros Wives vs. Texas Rangers Wives Charity Softball Game, sponsored by Academy Sports & Outdoors.

The game benefited the Texas Chapters of the Autism Society of America (ASA), which is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism and their families. Autism has increased meaning for the Astros because pitcher Russ Springer and his wife, Kelly, have an austic six-year-old son, Jake.

The Rangers Wives came out on top with a 5-3 victory but not without a great performance by the Astros Wives. The wives were also joined on the field by celebrity umpires James Denton of ABC's Desperate Housewives and Marc Sherman of Houston's Sunny 99.1. The event, chaired by Christi Ensberg and Jennifer Everett, raised over $26,000 for the ASA.

Astros Alumni Celebrity Golf Classic - June 23
Former and current Astros put down their baseball bats and picked up their golf clubs on June 23rd for the Inaugural Astros Alumni Celebrity Golf Classic held at Wildcat Golf Club, the preferred course of the Houston Astros. The day featured members of the 1980 National League Western Division Championship team, among many other alumni. The 1980 Astros team was honored the following evening in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the classic National League Championship Series showdown with the Philadelphia Phillies that is considered by many as the best NLCS in baseball history.

The Astros Alumni Celebrity Golf Classic began with a breakfast and a shotgun start with an awards ceremony and lunch following play. Proceeds from the golf tournament benefited the Astros in Action Foundation. Sponsors of the tournament included AIM; Administaff; Ev1.net; Budweiser; Minute Maid, Houston's Hometown Juice Brand; DeMontrond HUMMER; Classic Rock 93.7 The Arrow; ESPN 790 KBME The Sports Animal, and Catch the Moment.

Former and current Astros at the event included Craig Biggio, Jason Lane, Phil Garner, Larry Dierker, Jimmy Wynn, J.R. Richard, Jim Deshaies, Kevin Bass, Alan Ashby, Art Howe, Bill Virdon, Dave Smith, Denny Walling, Enos Cabell, J.C. Hartman, James Mouton, Frank LaCorte, Terry Puhl, Joe Niekro, Jeff Calhoun, Danny Darwin, John Edwards, Scipio Spinks, Jerry DaVanon, Brian Williams, Ray Montgomery, Bill Heath, and Larry Hardy.

Coca-Cola Kid's Opening Day - June 12
On Sunday, June 12, the Houston Astros held their annual Coca-Cola Kids Opening Day. Junior Astros, selected from the Coca-Cola Astros Buddies Club, took active parts in various ballpark duties. Among the game-day functions they performed were announcing the game on radio, assisting the grounds crew, joining the Coca-Cola Park Patrol, selling peanuts and assisting the public address announcer. Coca-Cola Kids Opening Day has become an annual event at Astros games, helping Houston-area youth celebrate the start of summer.

MLB Pitch, Hit and Run - June 5
Minute Maid Park welcomed the Team Championships of Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit and Run competition on June 5. This grassroots program, established in 1996, is designed to provide youth across North America with an integrated competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball skills. Boys and girls ages 7-14 competed to advance to the Team Championships. Winners of the Team Championships had a chance to compete in the National Championships in Detroit, Michigan, site of the 2005 All-Star Game. Josh Elander and Blake Whitehead, both from Round Rock, TX, advanced to the National Championships where Josh Elander won the National Championship in the 13-14 year old division and Blake Whitehead finished third in the 11-12 year old age group.

Impact a Hero Day - June 4
The Houston Astros played host to 30 young, severely injured veterans from all over the United States at the game June 4th against the St. Louis Cardinals. The group from the Impact Players Partners organization met with Astros players and coaches during batting practice, attended a special meet and greet with Roger Clemens and General Manager Tim Purpura, and watched the game from the Harris County Sports Authority suite in center field. During a pre-game ceremony, the Impact a Hero Day participants presented Clemens with an award for his outstanding work with the armed forces.

MAY '05
Houston VA Medical Center Visit - May 31
Houston Astros outfielder Orlando Palmeiro, along with third base coach Doug Mansolino and Assistant General Manager Ricky Bennett, traveled to the Houston VA Medical Center (HVAMC) on May 31 to visit patients and to honor the brave men and women who are veterans of the United States armed services.

HVAMC serves as the primary health care provider for more than 60,000 veterans in southeast Texas. Veterans from around the country are referred to the HVAMC for specialized diagnosis, radiation therapy, surgery, and medical treatment. Many of their medical services and programs have received local and national awards and honors.

Memorial Day - May 30
The Houston Astros held special Memorial Day ceremonies at their game versus the Cincinnati Reds. Prior to game, the 1st Battalion 23rd Marines from Houston carried a giant American flag onto the field for the national anthem, performed by the Texas A&M Singing Cadets. United States Army Lieutenant General Thomas F. Metz, Commanding General of III Corps and Fort Hood, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. During the game, the Astros held a moment of silence during the sixth inning as part of Major League Baseball's support of the National Moment of Remembrance. Instituted by the White House Commission on Remembrance, the National Moment of Remembrance was created to remind American's of the importance of Memorial Day and the sacrifice others have made on their behalf. During the seventh inning, Andrew Samonsky from Disney's "On the Record" sang God Bless America.

Astros Race for the Pennant - May 28
On May 28, 2005, over 2,000 men, women, and children participated in the 3rd Astros Annual Race for the Pennant 5K Run/Walk and Junction Jack's Kid Fun Run sponsored by The Methodist Hospital in partnership with the JLH Foundation and endorsed by the Houston Marathon. The race started and ended at Minute Maid Park and proceeds benefited the Astros in Action Foundation. Participants in the race came from all over the state of Texas. Junction Jack's Kids Fun Run was non-competitive - all kids 12 and under received medals. In addition to presenting sponsor The Methodist Hospital in partnership with the JLH Foundation, the Astros received Astros Race for the Pennant sponsorship assistance from a number of community partners including: The Houston Marathon, Luke's Locker, Royce Builders.com, Sunny 99.1, Newsradio 740 AM KTRH, Home Plate Bar & Grill, ARAMARK, Buffalo Specialties, Minute Maid, Coca-Cola, Krispy Kreme Donuts, Continental Airlines, Michelob Ultra, Fox Sports Net-Houston, Attention! Promotions, Hilton Americas-Houston, ASICS, Fiesta, Precision Graphics Centers, Pei Wei Asian Diner, Snickers Marathon Energy Bar, Kolache Factory, and Last Train Out.

APRIL '05
Astros in Action Foundation Leadoff Luncheon - April 8
On Friday, April 8, the Houston Astros held the inaugural Astros in Action Foundation Leadoff Luncheon benefiting the Bush-Clinton Fund for Tsunami Relief. Headed by Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, the Bush-Clinton Fund was formed at the request of President George W. Bush in response to the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia. The members of the 2005 Houston Astros team along with owner Drayton McLane, General Manager Tim Purpura, and Manger Phil Garner were in attendance at the luncheon to lead off the new season and help raise money for the people and nations affected by the tsunami. Milo Hamilton, the Hall of Fame Broadcaster, emceed the event.

Minute Maid was the Diamond Level title sponsor of the Astros in Action Foundation Leadoff Luncheon. In addition to Minute Maid, other major sponsors included Reliant Energy, Anheuser-Busch/Silver Eagle Distributors, Landry's Restaurants, Inc., ARAMARK, Houston Chronicle, The Methodist Hospital, and Sanders Morris Harris Inc. - Don Sanders.

Astros in Action Foundation Opening Day Blood Drive - April 8
The Astros in Action Foundation, in conjunction with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and ARAMARK, hosted their annual Opening Day Blood Drive at Minute Maid Park on April 8. Donors received an Astros t-shirt and a ticket coupon for up to eight half-price tickets in selected sections for the Astros games against the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers.

GSFYB Field Refurbishment - April 6
Officials from the Astros, Minute Maid, and La Marque/West Texas City Little League cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Bobby Beach Memorial Stadium on April 6. Brandon Backe pitched the first game to 20 La Marque Little League players while Milo Hamilton called the action live from the field. Last fall, the field was selected as the third youth ball field to be refurbished through the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball program sponsored by the Astros and Minute Maid. For more information on Grand Slam for Youth Baseball click here.

MARCH '05
MARCH 1-5
ASTROS SPRING TRAINING WEEK OF CARING
The Astros extended their community efforts to their Spring Training home in Kissimmee, Florida with the Houston Astros 2005 Spring Training Week of Caring. The Astros kicked off their Week of Caring on March 1 by inviting over 600 students from Hickory Tree Elementary (St. Cloud, Florida) to Osceola County Stadium for the annual "Make Reading Come Alive" event. The program began with a talk about the importance of reading and visualizing what you read. Then Brad Lidge (The Pitcher) and Luke Scott (Casey) teamed up with Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton for an interactive reading of the famous Ernest L. Thayer poem "Casey at the Bat." As the poem was being narrated, the players acted out parts from the poem, and the children played the part of the crowd to "Make Reading Come Alive."

Throughout the rest of the Week of Caring, Astros players and staff participated in community events in the Kissimmee/Orlando area. On March 2, pitcher Pete Munro and catcher Dax Norris visited with patients of all ages at Orlando's Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women. General Manager Tim Purpura took part in the opening ceremonies for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on March 4 at Kissimmee's Gateway High School. The annual event is a celebration of cancer survivorship and raises money for life saving programs of research, education, advocacy, and patient services. And on March 5, Manager Phil Garner and the rest of the Astros team played host to a group of children and their families from Give Kids the World at the Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves game. Give Kids the World is an Orlando-based non-profit organization that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

FEBRUARY '05
FEBRUARY 11-13
ASTROS FANFEST AND MINUTE MAID COLLEGE CLASSIC
One of the most highly anticipated events of the year is the annual Astros FanFest (February 12-13) and Minute Maid College Classic (February 11-13). FanFest events benefit the Astros in Action Foundation and include Astros autographs and photographs, the Astros Exploration Zone, Talkin' Baseball seminars, and sports card and memorabilia sales. The Minute Maid College Classic offers three days of exciting college baseball tripleheaders, with games including teams such as Rice, Houston and Texas A&M.

Over 100 children participated in the Exploration Zone - Draw Your Favorite Astros Player Contest. The three winners drawings are posted below. Each winner received tickets to a 2005 Astros home game.

Click here for larger image » Mary Catherine - Grade 4 Rock Prairie Elementary

Click here for larger image » Ross - Grade 4 Andy Woods Elementary

Click here for larger image » Diana - Grade 1 Kuehnle Elementary

JANUARY '05
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
WINTER CARAVAN
The Astros Winter Caravan features visits to schools, community centers, luncheons, hospitals and free autograph sessions for fans at Academy Sports & Outdoors locations around Houston, Central Texas and other Texas cities during January and February. All totaled, 20 Astros players, coaches, and front office personnel made 27 stops in 15 cities over 11 days.

DECEMBER '04
DECEMBER 14
ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION HOLIDAY PARTY
The Astros in Action Foundation, with help from Brandon Backe and Pete Munro, hosted its annual Holiday Party for Houston-area children. This year the children were from S.E.A.R.C.H.'s House of Tiny Treasures (serving the homeless) and Yellowstone Academy (a private Christian school serving low-income children).

DECEMBER 9
GIFT OF PRODUCE
Roger Clemens and President George H.W. Bush assisted the Houston Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association make its 18th Annual Holiday Gift of Produce to the Houston Food Bank, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need during the holiday season.

DECEMBER 4
SUNSHINE KIDS HOLIDAY PARTY
Craig and Patty Biggio hosted the annual Sunshine Kids Holiday Party, one of the many SSK functions the pair host each year including a party at Minute Maid Park and a golf tournament. The SSK provide recreational opportunities and support for children with cancer.

SEPTEMBER '04
SEPTEMBER 27
GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER AWARENESS NIGHT
The Astros Wives presented $120,000 to M. D. Anderson's Uterine Cancer Research Program at Gynecological Cancer Awareness Night. The wives raised the money through sales of an Astros cookbook with support from the Astros in Action Foundation and ARAMARK.

SEPTEMBER 17
CHUCK NORRIS MAKE-A-WISH VISIT
The Astros hosted martial arts expert/actor/author Chuck Norris and four young fans from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Roger Clemens, Craig Biggio, and Lance Berkman all met with the group before Norris threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

SEPTEMBER 2
BLACK TIES AND BASEBALL CAPS
The 15th Annual Black Ties and Baseball Caps Gala hosted by the Astros Wives raised over $200,000 for the Houston Area Women's Center, which provides shelter and support to survivors of abuse.

AUGUST '04
AUGUST 21
BERKMAN'S BUNCH
Lance Berkman and The Methodist Hospital System hosted the final Berkman's Bunch of the summer on August 21. The program allows hundreds of underprivileged children and families the chance to meet Berkman and attend a game.

AUGUST 20-21
ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION FOOD DRIVE
The Astros in Action Foundation hosted two days of food drives at Minute Maid Park benefiting the Star of Hope, a Christ-Centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of the homeless.

AUGUST 7
ASTROS CLINIC AT NORTHEAST FAMILY YMCA
The Astros and Coca-Cola sponsored a baseball clinic for 50 youths at the Northeast Family YMCA field, recently renovated by the Astros and Minute Maid through Grand Slam for Youth Baseball. Lance Berkman, Morgan Ensberg, and four Astros coaches took part in the event.

AUGUST 3
HOUSTON RBI WORKOUT AT MINUTE MAID PARK
The Astros hosted a workout for the Houston Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Junior Boys team prior to their playing in the 2004 RBI World Series in Detroit. Manager Phil Garner gave the boys a pep talk.

FULL MONTH OF AUGUST
ASTROS GO BACK TO SCHOOL
During the Astros Month of Caring, the Astros joined Houston children in going back to school by assisting with the Coca-Cola Operation School Supplies Drive (Morgan Ensberg), hosting a back-to-school rally (Darren Oliver), and making school visits in the Astros' Fielders Choice Program (Mike Gallo, Kirk Bullinger, Eric Bruntlett, Brad Lidge, Jimmy Wynn).

JULY '04
JULY 12
ALL-STAR MASCOTS HOSPITAL VISITS
Astros mascot Junction Jack led the charge of Major League Baseball mascots that visited pediatric patients at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children's Hospital during All-Star Week.

JULY 10-11
NEGRO LEAGUE RECOGNITION
Major League Baseball, the Astros, and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau supported "Remembering the History," celebrating the contributions of the Negro Leagues. Proceeds benefited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Houston inner city youth baseball.

JULY 3
ALL-STAR FAMILY DAY CLEAN UP
In preparation for the All-Star Game, the Astros, Keep Houston Beautiful and Waste Management organized volunteers of all ages in cleaning and beautifying areas surrounding Minute Maid Park and throughout downtown Houston.

JULY 1-15
ALL-STAR BOOTS ON PARADE
Major League Baseball, the Astros, Central Houston Civic Improvement, and Houston businesses teamed up to display thirty-three, five-foot-tall cowboy boots in downtown Houston for the All-Star Game. The boots were later auctioned to benefit Main Street Square.

JUNE '04
JUNE 20
MLB PITCH, HIT, AND RUN
The Astros hosted Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit, and Run contest on the Minute Maid Park field. Winners advanced to the National Finals hosted by the team in conjunction with the 75th All-Star Game.

JUNE 19
COCA-COLA KIDS OPENING DAY
Nineteen Junior Astros, selected from the Coca-Cola Astros Buddies Club and a sweepstakes held at Kroger stores, assisted a variety of ballpark personnel including the radio broadcasters, grounds crew, and peanut vendors.

MAY '04
MAY 31
ASTROS RACE FOR THE PENNANT
Over 2,700 participated in the 2nd Annual Astros Race for the Pennant 5K Run/Walk and Junction Jack's Kids Fun Run benefiting the Astros in Action Foundation. The race through downtown Houston ended on the field at Minute Maid Park.

MAY 15
ASTROS SCOOP DREYERS FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Morgan Ensberg, Jason Lane, and Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton scooped Dreyer's Astros Good Guy Sundae Crunch ice cream to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.

APRIL '04
APRIL 30
BRANDON DUCKWORTH HOSPITAL VISIT
Astros players, including Brandon Duckworth (pictured) and staff visited numerous hospitals in 2004 including Shriners Hospital for Children, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston VA Medical Canter, Memorial Herman Hospital, The Methodist Hospital, M.D. Anderson Cancer Canter and Ben Taub Hospital.

APRIL 15
JACKIE ROBINSON NIGHT
Together with Major League Baseball and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Astros paid homage to the man who broke baseball's color barrier and honored local Jackie Robinson scholars at the Astros-Brewers game.

APRIL 5
ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION BLOOD DRIVE
The Astros in Action Foundation, in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and ARAMARK, hosted the first of four blood drives of the year on Opening Day. The four blood drives collected over 1,000 units of blood.

MARCH
GSFYB CITY LEAGUE OPENING DAY - MARCH 6
Through Grand Slam for Youth Baseball, the Astros and Minute Maid once again sponsored the City of Houston Park and Recreation Department's free youth baseball/softball/t-ball program and took part in the program's Opening Day.

FEBRUARY
ASTROS FANFEST AND MINUTE MAID COLLEGE CLASSIC - FEBRUARY 13-15
Record numbers attended Astros FanFest and the Minute Maid College Classic. Astros FanFest, benefiting the Astros in Action Foundation, gave fans the opportunity for autographs and photos from their favorite players, among other activities.

JANUARY
ASTROS WINTER CARAVAN - JANUARY/FEBRUARY
The Astros visited hospitals, schools, malls, and luncheons all over the Gulf Coast region. All tallied, 22 Astros players, coaches, and front office personnel made 28 stops in 13 cities over 10 days.



2006 Community Projects »