(PHOENIX) — The Arizona Diamondbacks will host Valley of the Sun United Way’s (VSUW) 2009 annual fundraising campaign kick-off, Aug. 28-30 at Chase Field.

This year, D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall will serve as the campaign chair. Hall will lead the charge to inspire individuals and organizations to help meet the community’s immediate and long-term human care needs.

“Valley of the Sun United Way helps create positive changes in Maricopa County,” Hall said. “We hope our fans will join us to give back to the community, whether it’s by attending a game, volunteering at our community clean-up event or donating a book to a child in need.”

“We are fortunate to count on Derrick’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improve lives in the Valley of the Sun,” commented Merl Waschler, Valley of the Sun United Way’s President and CEO.

D-backs fans and residents are encouraged to participate in the following ways:

• Attend Weekend Series: Fans can enjoy reduced ticket prices while donating $5 to VSUW. Fans can purchase tickets to the weekend series against the Houston Astros, Aug. 28-30, to benefit the VSUW at dbacks.com/groups (ID: united/password: way). Five dollars from every ticket purchased through this link will benefit the VSUW, whose vision is to build a caring community where all children and youth succeed, families are self-sufficient, neighborhoods are vital and safe and all people enjoy maximum health and independence.
• Volunteer for the Neighborhood Clean-Up: The D-backs and VSUW, in partnership with the city of Phoenix Neighborhood Services and Public Works Department, will host a Neighborhood Clean Up Community Volunteer Event on Aug. 29 from 6:30 – 10 a.m. The clean-up will take place in Maryvale from 39th to 43rd Avenues and McDowell to Thomas Roads. All volunteers are asked to check-in at the Adam Diaz Senior Center, located at 4115 W. Thomas Road, at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the event. To sign up for this event, visit phoenix.gov/volunteer or call 602.495.0380.
• Donate to the Book Drive:  The team and VSUW will host a book drive during the 1:10 p.m. game on Aug. 30. Fans can donate new or gently used books on the Gila River Casinos Plaza to benefit elementary school children, high school youth and young children served at child care centers.

For more information on the VSUW campaign kick-off visit dbacks.com/vsuw