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05/06/2011 5:02 PM ET

Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle and his wife, Karla, and Pirates Charities, the official philanthropic arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates, in partnership with ROOT SPORTS, today announced the launch of the “Wins for Kids” fundraising campaign. The campaign will be a charity effort focused on raising funds for Pirates Charities and the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh’s Prader-Willi Syndrome Program through donations and pledges made for every Pirates win in 2011.
“We are extremely proud to support Clint and his wife, Karla, and to team up with our great broadcast partner, ROOT SPORTS, to launch this program to benefit children in the Prader-Willi Syndrome Program and those who are touched by Pirates Charities’ other programs like our Miracle League building efforts,” said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. “Through Pirates Charities, this program is a great opportunity to help create awareness of Prader-Willi Syndrome, and to raise funds to help those affected by it.”
The Pirates and ROOT SPORTS are encouraging fans to pledge any dollar amount they wish for every Pirates win this season. All monies raised will benefit Pirates Charities and the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh’s Prader-Willi Syndrome Program.
“This is a great opportunity for us to partner with the Pirates and support Pirates Charities and Clint and Karla’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh’s Prader-Willi Syndrome Program,” said Shawn McClintock, Senior Vice President & General Manager of ROOT SPORTS. “All of us as Pirates fans can use this as another way to welcome the Hurdle family to Pittsburgh and demonstrate our strong charitable community.”
Clint and Karla Hurdle have made the first donation to the “Wins for Kids” program by pledging $100 per Pirates win. To get involved in the “Wins for Kids” program, fans can visit the official website at www.pirates.com/winsforkids. Fans will have the option to pledge a certain amount of money per win or make a one-time flat donation. All pledges per win will be collected at the end of the regular season.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare, complex generic disorder that affects many parts of the body and the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh is the only hospital-based site in the world offering treatment for this population.
About Pirates Charities
Pirates Charities, the philanthropic arm of arm of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a 501(c)3 organization that focuses on three core areas of youth health, fitness and education. Since its inception in late 2006, Pirates Charities has contributed more than $1.7 million to worthwhile projects and programs in the greater Pittsburgh, Bradenton, FL and Estorga, Dominican Republic communities.