Arizona Diamondbacks raise $705,395 for Yarnell relief effort

In the spirit of lending a hand in time of need, the Arizona Diamondbacks did so in a big way for the families of the 19 firefighters who died fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire June 30, as well community members who were affected or displaced by the fire.

The D-backs, through various fundraising efforts spanning from July 2 to the end of the team’s 10-game homestand on July 14, raised $705,395 — which will benefit the 100 Club of Arizona, American Red Cross, Prescott Firefighters Charities and other charities assisting in the Yarnell rebuilding efforts.

The team’s 50/50 raffle contest raised $354,061 during the homestand — $177,031 going to the raffle winners and $177,031 benefitting the charities — including a record-high $100,000 during a July 5 contest against the Colorado Rockies.

In addition to the 50/50 raffle, more than 5,000 D-backs fans donated $252,364 to the relief effort on the team’s website. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation added to the overall total ($452,364) with a matching grant of $200,000.

Through the dbacks.com/auctions, the team raised an additional $76,000. Among the items auctioned off for fans were game-worn and autographed black “Arizona” tribute jerseys that the players and coaches wore throughout the 10-game homestand and autographed player and coaches nameplates that feature the “19” logo.

While the team’s homestand came to end Sunday, its fundraising efforts have not. For the remainder of the 2013 season, D-backs fans can purchase black “Arizona” tribute jerseys for $28 at the Chase Field Team Shop. The T-shirts will be on sale beginning July 22 and all proceeds will also benefit the 100 Club of Arizona, American Red Cross, Prescott Firefighters Charities and other charities assisting in the rebuilding efforts.

Follow @AZSports