CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kannapolis Cannon Ballers general manager Matt Millward is in Paris for the Olympics and is working to help families battling cancer while cheering on Team USA.
“We want to win a lot ... a lot of gold medals," Millward said about this year's Olympics.
Millward launched a fundraiser that not only celebrates American victories in Paris, but all of the proceeds benefit the families of children who have been diagnosed with brain tumors. The fundraiser also supports the Cannon Ballers' upcoming Starry Night promotion, one of the most popular events in all of Minor League Baseball.
Here's how the fundraiser works:
Community members will pledge a specific amount for each gold medal that an American athlete or team wins during the 2024 Summer Olympics. For example, if Team USA finishes with 30 gold medals and a person pledges $1 per medal, their total donation to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation would be $30 at the end of the Olympics. Millward said 100% of donations will directly benefit the charity and the Cannon Ballers' Starry Night promotion on Sat., Aug. 17.
Millward explained to WCNC Charlotte's Myles Harris why they chose the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
“It's [about] the amount of research and funding [for pediatric brain cancer]. They don't necessarily get as much funding as other forms of cancer, but it's truly the deadliest form of cancer in children."
"As our American athletes set their sights on winning gold, pledge a contribution for every gold medal won by Team USA and also stand atop the podium by helping us find a cure for childhood brain tumors," Millward said.
Donors will receive the following sign of appreciation for pledging the following amounts for each medal:
- $1: Custom 2024 USA Olympic pin
- $3: Olympic pin and a chance to win a roundtrip ticket to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
- $5: Olympic pin, a chance to win a trip to the 2028 Olympics, plus a collectible postcard and keepsake from the Paris Olympics
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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