FOX Sports Ohio telethon raises $190,000 for the Reds Community Fund

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PNC Bank pledges $75,000 to the RCF & Reds Youth Academy

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FOX Sports Ohio telethon raised a record $190,000 for the Reds Community Fund.

This is the eighth year in a row FOX Sports Ohio has dedicated a Reds telecast featuring a special hour-long Reds Live pregame show, in-game stories and postgame show to highlight outreach programs and raise funds for the Reds Community Fund.

“The Reds Community Fund game is always one of the most anticipated telecasts of the season,” said Randy Stephens, FOX Sports Ohio Senior Vice President and General Manager. “We are thankful we can play a small part in raising funds that will allow many community programs to flourish and, most of all, we appreciate the opportunity to share stories of the difference the Reds are making in people’s lives throughout Reds Country.” 

PNC Bank helped make it a record-setting night for the Reds Community Fund. Before the game, PNC Regional President Kay Geiger announced the bank would match the first $50,000 in viewer donations and MVP Package sales. When that threshold was reached during the game, PNC increased its pledge to $75,000. PNC’s extraordinary commitment will be directed to the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy to support fall and winter programming.

“Thank you to all of the generous donors for setting a telethon record for the Reds Community Fund. Also to our partners, PNC for increasing their match to $75,000, and FSO for their great coverage,” said Bob Castellini, Reds CEO. “This incredible outcome is a tribute to our fans’ passion for using baseball as a way to bring youth together throughout Reds Country.”

“This has been an incredibly challenging year across Reds Country, but the Reds, as always, still care about our youth and community” said Geiger. “What better way to celebrate fan passion than to continue our support for the Reds Community Fund, connecting underserved children with baseball and softball.  We applaud the Castellini family and the team for their efforts to continue this event at a time when it has never been needed more.”

Throughout the Reds vs. Royals broadcast, FOX Sports Ohio featured many of the baseball and softball-themed programs the Reds Community Fund established and operates.

Reds/FOX Sports Ohio broadcaster and telethon host Jim Day was live in the FOX Sports Ohio studio encouraging fans to donate to support the Reds Community Fund.

For donations of $100 and $200, fans received MVP gift packages containing exclusive Reds merchandise, collectibles and more.

A limited number of MVP gift packages are still available at reds.com/Telethon.

Special thanks to broadcasters Thom Brennaman, Chris Welsh, Brian Giesenschlag and Sam LeCure along with the entire FOX Sports Ohio team for another record-setting telethon.

About the Reds Community Fund

The Reds Community Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of youth throughout Reds Country. We reach thousands of kids through our free baseball, softball and education programs at the P&G Cincinnati MLB Reds Youth Academy, as well as through our introductory Fun At Bat program, Reds Youth Baseball and Softball Funding network and developmental RBI program. We also partner with urban neighborhoods through our field renovation programs and the annual Community Makeover efforts, which recently is supporting urgent, front-line needs during the COVID-19 crisis. During these challenging times, the Reds Community Fund is committed more than ever to serving at-risk children and families.