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COCA-COLA OPERATION SCHOOL SUPPLIES
August 3
Join Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg in supporting Coca-Cola Operation School Supplies. Please bring new school supplies out to the games versus the Atlanta Braves and help a student in the Houston area that needs assistance with school supplies this year.


DISABILITY AWARENESS NIGHT
August 4
The Houston Astros and EP Magazine host Disability Awareness Night at the 7:05 p.m. game against the Atlanta Braves. The Astros, Mass Mutual Financial Services, and the EP Foundation for Education will present the EP Distinguished Service Award to Kristen Peters and Dr. John Cassidy in a pre-game ceremony for their dedication to improving the lives of people with special needs and disabilities. Peters, a senior at Houston Baptist University, has persevered in her personal struggle with Epilepsy to excel in school and several extracurricular activities. Dr. Cassidy has lead research efforts into the better understanding and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injuries.


BEN TAUB HOSPITAL VISIT
August 5
A visit to Ben Taub Hospital - Pediatrics ward visit by Astros mascot Junction Jack.


METHODIST HOSPITAL VISIT
August 6
Methodist Hospital (San Jacinto Branch) - Methodist Day Celebration/hospital visit by Astros players Mike Gallo and Jason Lane.


ASTROS CLINIC AT NORTHEAST FAMILY YMCA
August 7
The Astros have partnered together with Coca-Cola and Randalls to host a baseball clinic for approximately 75 youths ages 8-15 at the newly renovated field at the Northeast Family YMCA. The children include winners of an in-store promotion at Randalls and members of the Northeast Family YMCA. Lance Berkman, Morgan Ensberg, and four Astros coaches will all take part in the two-hour teaching session and post-event autograph session.


GIRL SCOUT DAY AT MINUTE MAID PARK
August 8
Minute Maid Park - Girl Scout Day and Parade at Minute Maid Park


AIAF PARTNERS WITH STAR OF HOPE FOR FOOD DRIVE
August 20-21
The Astros in Action Foundation, partnering with the Star of Hope will host food drives August 20-21 at Minute Maid Park when the Astros face the Chicago Cubs. There will be two different drop-off locations for the food drive on Texas Avenue at Minute Maid Park - one near the corner of Texas Avenue and Crawford and one at the Clock Tower entrance near the corner of Texas Avenue and Hamilton. The drive will take place prior to the 7:05 p.m. game on Friday, August 20 and the 6:05 p.m. game on Saturday, August 21. Every fan making a donation of a bag of food will receive a voucher for two complimentary tickets to one of the Astros games versus the Philadelphia Phillies (August 23-25)


ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION BLOOD DRIVE
August 21
The Astros in Action Foundation, in conjunction with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and ARAMARK, is hosting a Blood Drive at Minute Maid Park. The blood drive will run from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in The Depot conference room on the second floor of Union Station above The Shed. The blood drive is open to all fans, whether or not they are attending the game with the Chicago Cubs. Donors will receive a special Astros t-shirt and an Astros ticket coupon good for half-price tickets in selected sections for any Monday through Thursday regular-season home game.

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center provides blood and blood components to patients in over 220 hospitals and healthcare facilities in its 24-county service area. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in good general health. The donation process takes less than an hour, and one donation can save as many as three lives.


SUNSHINE KIDS
August 22
Arnie in the Atrium with Arnie "The Peanut Dude" and the Sunshine Kids at Minute Maid Park.


THE FIELDER'S CHOICE PROGRAM
August 23
To open the school year, several members of the Houston Astros will visit pre-selected Houston schools through the Astros "Fielder's Choice Program." The Astros will talk to the students about making good choices this school year and stress that just like in a fielder's choice play on the field, we are responsible for the choices we make in life. The Astros will encourage students to constantly make good choices throughout the year and to get involved in positive extracurricular activities.


THE 13th ANNUAL SUNSHINE KIDS PARTY
August 24
The 13th Annual Sunshine Kids Party with Craig and Patty Biggio at Minute Maid Park.


BLACK TIES AND BASEBALL CAPS
September 2
The 15th Annual Black Ties and Baseball Caps Gala, hosted by the Astros Wives, will take place at the Minute Maid Park. As always, the Gala will feature great food, entertainment, a spectacular silent and live auction, and the chance to mingle with some of the Astros top players and their wives. Proceeds from the event benefit the Houston Area Women's Center, which provides shelter and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. For more information, contact Judy Nichols at (713) 781-0053 or e-mail jnichols1@ev1.net.


ASTROS PRESENTS JACKIE ROBINSON NIGHT
April 15

Together with Major League Baseball and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Astros paid homage to the man who broke baseball's color barrier at the game with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Jackie Robinson Foundation honored local Jackie Robinson scholars in ceremonies prior to the game.

ASTROS BRIGHTEN DAY FOR PATIENTS
April 30, May 15, May 26 and June 16

Throughout the first half of the season, Houston Astros players, mascot Junction Jack, and the Astros Coca-Cola Park Patrol helped brighten the day for sick children and adults alike. The Astros made several hospital visits to locations such as the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Houston, Texas Children's Hospital, and the Houston VA Medical Center. In addition the Astros hosted and visited with the Sunshine Kids at several home games led by SSK national spokesman Craig Biggio.

ASTROS SCOOP DREYERS FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
May 15

Astros players Morgan Ensberg and Jason Lane and Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton scooped up Dreyer's Astros Good Guy Sundae Crunch ice cream at H-E-B Fountainview to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston.

ASTROS RACE FOR THE PENNANT
May 31

Over 2,700 men, women, and children participated in the 2nd Annual 5K Run/Walk and Junction Jack's Kids Fun Run benefiting the Astros in Action Foundation. The race traveled through downtown Houston and ended on the field at Minute Maid Park. Sam Wade, 38, of Houston was the overall winner (15:17.9). Kimberly Schultz-Hager, 32, of The Woodlands was the top female finisher (17:32.2).


COCA-COLA KIDS OPENING DAY
June 19

The annual Coca-Cola Kids Opening Day saw nineteen Junior Astros, selected from the Coca-Cola Astros Buddies Club and sweepstakes held at area Krogers, take active parts in a variety of ballpark duties at Minute Maid Park. Among the game-day functions they performed were announcing the game on the radio, assisting the grounds crew, joining the Coca-Cola Park Patrol, selling peanuts, and assisting the public address announcer.


MLB PITCH, HIT, AND RUN
June 20

The Houston Astros hosted Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit, and Run contest after the Father's Day game on June 20 against the Anaheim Angels. Winners from the day advanced to the National Finals to be hosted by Houston in conjunction with the 75th All-Star Game.

ASTROS FANFEST

Astros fans of all ages enjoyed Astros FanFest (Feb. 14-15). The events at Astros FanFest took place throughout Minute Maid Park and included a chance to meet your favorite Astros players and get their autograph or a photograph with them; the hands-on Astros Exploration Zone; Talkin’ Baseball seminars, and sports cards and memorabilia sales. Astros FanFest takes place in conjunction with the Minute Maid Park College Classic featuring great college baseball games. All proceeds from Astros FanFest events benefit the Astros in Action Foundation.


FIELD OF DREAMS ESSAY CONTEST – APRIL 5, 2004

Field of Dreams Essay Contest and the Astros Grand Slam for Youth Baseball.







THANKSGIVING MEAL PREPARATION – NOV. 26, 2003

Join the Astros in Action Foundation ACTION TEAM help the City Wide Club prepare for the 25th Annual Feast of Sharing Big Feast. The ACTION TEAM will spend part of Thanksgiving Eve at the George R. Brown Convention Center deboning turkeys and chopping vegetables in advance of the meal. Last year, over 18,000 homeless men, women, and children were fed at the feast.
Those wanting to volunteer their time and become part of the Astros in Action Foundation ACTION TEAM should send their contact information and brief biographical information to astrosinactionfoundation@astros.com.


ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION HOLIDAY PARTY - DEC. 16, 2003

The Houston Astros, through the Astros in Action Foundation, host their annual AIAF Holiday Party at Minute Maid Park for children from selected Houston-area community groups. The party will feature fun, games, and presents for the children and a visit from Santa! The Astros will also serve lunch and have goodies in the Diamond Club.






M.D. ANDERSON PEDIATRICS WAITING ROOM AND PLAYROOM RIBBON CUTTING – SEPTEMBER 15, 2003

Astros owner Drayton McLane and President of Business Operations Pam Gardner joined M. D. Anderson president John Mendelsohn, M.D., and Eugenie Kleinerman, M.D., head of the Division of Pediatrics, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Astros-themed Pediatrics Waiting Room and Playroom at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Following the event, McLane, Mendelsohn, and Astros mascot Junction Jack visited with pediatric cancer patients and presented them with gifts from the Astros.
The ribbon cutting ceremony at the world-renowned cancer center highlighted a five-year pledge from the Astros in Action Foundation to support research and additional programs to address the unique physical and emotional needs of pediatric cancer patients and survivors. Cutting-edge research and treatments at M. D. Anderson have helped thousands of children survive cancer with the best possible outcomes and quality of life.


BLACK TIES AND BASEBALL CAPS GALA – AUGUST 25, 2003

The 14th Annual Black Ties and Baseball Caps Gala, hosted by the Astros Wives, took place at the new Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston. As always, the Gala featured great food, entertainment, a spectacular silent and live auction, and the chance to mingle with some of the Astros top players and their wives. The event raised over $175,000 to benefit the Houston Area Women’s Center, which provides shelter and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.


ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION BOOK DRIVE – AUGUST 23-24, 2003

The 2003 Astros in Action Foundation Book Drive at Minute Maid Park collected over 2,000 new and gently used children’s books, more than double the number of books received in previous years. All of the books went to help the Houston READ Commission in their efforts to spread literacy in Houston. Former Astros great and author Larry Dierker served as the spokesman for the drive and helped collect books at the ballpark on August 23.
On August 26, Dierker delivered a portion of the books collected in the Astros in Action Foundation Book Drive to The Good Neighbor Healthcare Center clinic. While he was there, he talked to children about the importance of reading, read them a baseball-themed story, and signed autographs. The Good Neighbor Healthcare Center, located in Houston’s Fourth Ward, participates in Reach Out and Read-Texas, a pediatric literacy organization based at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and one of the many groups to benefit from the Houston READ Commission’s efforts.


SETTEGAST PARK BALLFIELD RIBBON CUTTING – AUGUST 8, 2003

Minute Maid’s Mike St. John and the Houston Astros Pam Gardner hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the first youth ball field to be refurbished under the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball program – a four-tiered community outreach effort that seeks to foster self-confidence, involvement, teamwork and fun among area children. Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Settegast Park Ballfield, only two miles from Minute Maid Park in Houston’s East End, received a complete makeover that included a brand-new 850-square-foot concession pavilion, new aluminum bleachers with safety wings, an electronic scoreboard, a flagpole, dugout benches and covers, and fence guards. Festivities also included an inaugural game between two local youth ball teams – Meadowcreek America and Garden Villas Texans – pitched by Astros shortstop Adam Everett and announced by Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton.
Settegast Park Ballfield was selected for refurbishment based on several criteria: its community use and involvement, its opportunity to provide an even safer ball field for players and fans, and its close proximity to Minute Maid Park. More than 400 area children and adults from youth baseball and softball teams, adult leagues and even Rusk Elementary School, all call the ball field “home.” Several local businesses were involved in the refurbishment effort such as architect Robert Walters and Michael Randel Homes, L.L.C., whom contributed to the enterprise by donating their expertise and services to build the concession pavilion.


ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION FOOD DRIVES – JUNE 27-28 AND JULY 25-26, 2003

The Astros in Action Foundation held two separate Food Drives at Minute Maid Park when the Astros played the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs. The two drives together collected over 15,000 pounds of food to help the Star of Hope Mission in their relief efforts for Houston’s homeless. The Star of Hope, established in 1907, helps more than 900 homeless men, women, and children every day with food, clothing, shelter, Christian care, and structured recovery programs. The organization touches the lives of more than 5,000 different homeless people every year including over 1,600 children.


JACKIE ROBINSON DAY – JULY 12, 2003

The Houston Astros held Jackie Robinson Day at Minute Maid Park to honor the memory of a true American icon and trailblazing baseball player – Jackie Robinson – who broke the color barrier in baseball in 1947. Members of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, including Jackie’s daughter Sharon Robinson and President and CEO Steven Brown, were part of the group of Jackie Robinson Foundation scholars and executives, local community leaders, and Power 97.5 (KRWP FM) personnel the Astros hosted in an executive suite. The Astros and Power 97.5 co-sponsored the event and made it possible for hundreds of children to come to the game versus Pittsburgh from community groups, churches, and neighborhood centers located throughout the Houston area.
Jackie’s legacy of excellence and equal opportunity lives on through the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Founded in 1973 by Jackie’s wife Rachel, the Jackie Robinson Foundation awards four-year college scholarships to academically gifted students of color. To date, over 850 scholarships have been awarded totaling over $11 million. Over the last 30 years, 33 Scholars have been selected from Texas with 12 hailing from the Houston area including two this year.


METHODIST HOSPITAL DAY – JULY 2, 2003 At the annual Methodist Hospital Day, several Astros had the opportunity to salute the doctors and nurses of one of the country's largest non-profit health-care providers and to raise the spirits of hospital patients. Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton emceed the event, while Lance Berkman, Geoff Blum, Brian Hunter, Jose Cruz, and mascot Junction Jack entertained the crowd by participating in an assortment of light-hearted contests. The contests ranged from Basepaths (the craziest relay game this side of the Independent Leagues) to a challenge to see who could paint the best Self-Portrait (won by Blum with a dead-on painting of himself and his spiked blond hair). The day was capped by visits to patient rooms and the rehabilitation center.




GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER AWARENESS DAY – JUNE 28, 2003 General Manager Gerry Hunsicker and his wife Irene, in conjunction with the Astros in Action Foundation, hosted Gynecological Cancer Awareness Day at Minute Maid Park at the game versus the Texas Rangers. Irene is a uterine cancer survivor and has worked as a patient advocate at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. David Gershenson, Chairman of the Gynecologic Oncology Department at The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Medical professionals were on hand throughout the ballpark to distribute information on gynecological cancers and to answer questions. Fans were also able to register to win one of four Astros “dream prizes”.


FIELD OF DREAMS DAY – JUNE 18, 2003 The winning essays in the Astros in Action Foundation Field of Dreams Day Essay Contest were submitted by third graders Jacob Kucherka, 9, from Rosenberg, Texas, and Jordyn Pausewang, 9, from Sheridan, Texas. Winning the contest allowed Kucherka and his team (Rosenberg National Little League Yankees) and Pausewang and her team (Sheridan Titans) to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity.
As the special guests of the Astros, the Yankees and the Titans began the day by taking batting practice on the Minute Maid Park field. The teams were then given a VIP tour of the ballpark, an up-close view of Astros batting practice, food and drinks, and tickets to the game versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. The winning teams took a vote on their favorite Astros player – Lance Berkman for the Yankees and Jeff Bagwell for the Titans – and then had the chance to meet and get an autograph from that player.


COCA-COLA KIDS OPENING DAY – JUNE 8, 2003

Coca-Cola Kids Opening Day has become an annual event at Astros games, helping Houston-area youth celebrate the start of summer. More than 20 Junior Astros, selected from the Coca-Cola Astros Buddies Club and a sweepstakes held at area Kroger stores, took an active part in various ballpark duties. Among the game-day functions they performed included announcing the game on radio, assisting the grounds crew, joining the Coca-Cola Park Patrol and Junction Jack, selling peanuts, and assisting the public address announcer.


ASTROS RACE FOR THE PENNANT – MAY 24, 2003

Over 3200 men, women, and children participated in the 1st Annual Astros Race for the Pennant 5K Run/Walk and Junction Jack’s Kids 1K held on the streets of downtown Houston and the eastside of downtown. The Astros Race for the Pennant, presented by the HP Houston Marathon Committee, started and ended at Minute Maid Park. Proceeds from the race benefited the Astros in Action Foundation.
Charles Kamindo, 21, of Nacogdoches, TX, was the overall winner with a time of 15:09.0. Kate Corry, 20, of Houston was the top female finisher with a time of 17:43.3. Participants in the race came from all over the state of Texas. Prizes for the runners included roundtrip airline tickets on Continental Airlines and Houston Astros Family 4-Packs (four Astros caps and four tickets to a game). Junction Jack’s Kids 1K was non-competitive – all kids 12 and under received medals.


THE FIELDER’S CHOICE PROGRAM – MAY 21, 2003

To kickoff the summer, seven members of the Houston Astros visited seven different schools to talk to the students as part of the Astros Fielder’s Choice Program. The visits stressed that, just like a fielder’s choice play on the field, we are all responsible for the choices we make in life. The Astros encouraged students to constantly make good choices throughout the year and to get involved in positive summer activities.
Participating in the school visits were Astros owner Drayton McLane (Cy-Fair High School), General Manager Gerry Hunsicker (Rusk Elementary School), Manager Jimy Williams (Pershing Middle School), catcher Brad Ausmus (Pearl Hall Elementary School), outfielder Lance Berkman (Parker Elementary School), outfielder Brian Hunter (Hilliard Elementary School), and infielder Jose Vizcaino (Hogg Middle School).




GSFYB CITY LEAGUE OPENING DAY- MARCH 1, 2003

Representatives of the Astros and Minute Maid took part in the Opening Day ceremonies for the City of Houston Park and Recreation Department’s youth baseball and softball program at Andy Anderson Ballfield. Through Grand Slam for Youth Baseball, the Astros and Minute Maid sponsor the city’s program which provides free baseball, softball, and T-ball instruction and league play for children ages 4-18. The two companies, assisted by the generosity of the Recycled Baseball Items (RBI) Foundation and the Gart Sports Company, fulfilled all of the equipment and uniform needs for the program this season, a donation valued at approximately $30,000.


MAKE READING COME ALIVE DAY- FEBRUARY 26, 2003

Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton and a group of seven Astros players hosted 50 youths from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida–Osceola Branch at Osceola County Stadium, the team’s spring training home in Kissimmee, Florida. The group participated in the Astros first-ever “Make Reading Come Alive” program.
The program began with a talk about the importance of reading and visualizing what is being read. The players and Hamilton then teamed up for an interactive reading of the famous Ernest L. Thayer poem “Casey at the Bat.” Hamilton narrated, the players acted out parts from the poem, and the children played the part of the crowd to “Make Reading Come Alive.” The Astros then signed autographs for the kids before the group was given a tour of the newly renovated facility.
Starring in the title role of Casey was catcher John Buck. Infielder Alan Zinter and pitchers Brad Lidge, Santiago Rameriz, Rodrigo Rosario, Miguel Saladin, and Greg Miller acted out the other roles.


SETTEGAST PARK BALLFIELD GROUNDBREAKING – FEBRUARY 18, 2003

Astros owner Drayton McLane, Minute Maid’s Don Knauss, and Houston Parks and Recreation’s Roksan Okan-Vick broke ground on the refurbishment of Settegast Park Ballfield in Houston’s East End. The ball field, located two miles from Minute Maid Park, is the first baseball and softball facility to be refurbished by the Astros and Minute Maid through the Grand Slam for Youth Baseball program. The field’s major renovation plans include installing new bleachers and bleacher safety measures, covering the dugouts, improving the terrain of both the infield and the outfield, rebuilding the concession stand and adding a flagpole and a scoreboard.
The City of Houston’s Settegast Park Ballfield was selected for refurbishment based on several considerations: the field’s improvement needs, its community use and involvement and its close proximity to Minute Maid Park. Youth baseball and softball teams, adult leagues, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Baseball Program, and the adjacent Rusk Elementary School all call the field “home.”


ASTROS FANFEST – FEBRUARY 15-16, 2003

The Astros saw an overwhelming number of fans turn out for the Astros FanFest held at Minute Maid Park. The annual winter carnival, sponsored by Continental Airlines, gave fans the opportunity to meet their favorite Astros players and to get their autograph or have a photo taken with them. Other events included Talkin’ Baseball seminars, a collector’s show of memorabilia, a silent auction of Astros autographed items, the Astros Exploration Zone, and the Minute Maid Park College Classic baseball tournament. All proceeds from the events at FanFest benefited the Astros in Action Foundation. Current Astros participating in FanFest included Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Lance Berkman, Richard Hidalgo, Brian Hunter, Geoff Blum, Roy Oswalt, Wade Miller, Brad Ausmus, Jason Lane, Jose Vizcaino, and Orlando Merced.


ASTROS CARAVANS – JANUARY 15-30, 2003

During the month of January, the Houston Astros made winter caravan stops all over the Gulf Coast region, visiting hospitals, schools, shopping malls, and community luncheons in Corpus Christi, Victoria, Central Texas, New Orleans, and Round Rock. Participants in the caravans included General Manager Gerry Hunsicker, Manager Jimy Williams, the voice of the Astros Milo Hamilton, and several Astros players including Lance Berkman, Jeff Kent, Brad Ausmus, Geoff Blum, Brandon Puffer, and Ricky Stone.




ASTROS IN ACTION FOUNDATION HOLIDAY PARTY – DECEMBER 11, 2002

The Houston Astros, through the Astros in Action Foundation, hosted their annual Holiday Party at Minute Maid Park for children from Houston-area community groups. This year the children were from the House of Tiny Treasures (serving homeless children and their families) and the Ronald McDonald House (assisting families of children undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses). Astros players Geoff Blum and Richard Hidalgo, members of the ACTION TEAM, team mascots Junction Jack and the Junctioneers, and Santa teamed up for fun, games, and presents for the children. Lunch was provided compliments of ARAMARK.


SUNSHINE KIDS HOLIDAY PARTY – DECEMBER 7, 2002

The Houston Astros helped throw a Holiday Party for more than 100 of the Sunshine Kids at the Sunshine Kids House in Houston. Craig Biggio, the ACTION TEAM, Junction Jack, and a host of others played games with the kids, made crafts, and danced to the music of a DJ. The Sunshine Kids provides recreational opportunities and support for children diagnosed with cancer.


ACTION TEAM HELPS PREPARE THANKSGIVING DINNERS – NOVEMBER 27, 2002

The Astros in Action Foundation ACTION TEAM joined the City Wide Club and other volunteers in providing Thanksgiving meals to Houston's homeless. The ACTION TEAM spent Thanksgiving Eve at George R. Brown Convention Center deboning turkeys and chopping vegetables in advance of the 24th Annual Feast of Sharing “Thanksgiving Big Feast.” Over 18,000 homeless men, women, and children were fed at the feast.