D-backs to donate $550,000 to non-profits during coronavirus crisis

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Monday they will donate $550,000 to unspecified non-profit organizations that are helping “those most vulnerable” as the coronavirus outbreak has caused both healthcare and economic crises.

“Over the past 10 days, we have watched the heroic efforts of so many Arizonans who are helping those in need – from medical professionals to local food banks and childcare operations that have opened their doors to those working long hours to keep our community running,” D-backs owner Ken Kendrick said in a statement. “We are so grateful to be a part of such a special place and to be in the position to give back at a time like this.”

The team’s statement said the money will be spread across multiple non-profits that focus on emergency food supply, as well as those that support children of healthcare workers. The statement also left the door open for further assistance being made available later on.

“I’m so proud of our organization for implementing a plan that will provide relief to communities across the entire state,” D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall said in the statement. “We have had many employees offer to volunteer at local food banks while still practicing social distancing, as each of them simply wants to help those around us.

“It is not just our civic responsibility, but our honor to be of service to our community during these challenging times.”

In addition, Kendrick previously told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo that stadium employees or employees who are otherwise impacted by the postponement of major league games would be “taken care of.”

“Just like everybody else who is full time, they are part of our family and we owe them the support that they would need to make sure they’re not economically challenged by this,” he said.

The sports world has been among the many industries severely impacted by coronavirus as the global pandemic has caused the cancellation or postponement of many events, most of which have large-scale entertainment and economic implications. Major League Baseball in particular has delayed its season to about mid-May, at least, in accordance with CDC guidelines for holding public gatherings.

Like the D-backs, other sports teams and athletes have pledged to help their communities and pay employees displaced by event cancellations.

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