ALS Autograph Party & Auction raises $34,435
08/02/07 - International League (IL) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees

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The final totals are in and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees ALS Autograph Party and Auction held Saturday, June 28, was a huge success raising $34,435 in the fight to strikeout ALS.

The total surpassed the 2006 figure of $32,240.


"We would like to thank the entire Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees' organization and the fans that made this a wonderfully successful event," said ALS Association Events Specialist Marianne Mancini. "With these funds we are able to provide comprehensive programs and services to the ALS community and fund cutting-edge ALS research that will someday lead to a cure for this devastating disease."


In 8 years the event has taken place, the generous fans of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchise, have helped raise $272,403.54 for ALS.


ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, neuromuscular disease affecting men and women in the prime of life. It robs its victims of the ability to move, speak, swallow and, eventually, breathe.


"This year's event went very smoothly and the fan support made this one of the biggest Autograph Party and Auctions we have ever held," said Yankees' Public Relations Director Mike Cummings. "It really became a regional event this year with many fans attending from all over NEPA, New York and New Jersey."


The money raised was done so through autograph signings, silent and live auctions, grab bag sales, jersey auction and donations. The single biggest auction item was a signed and framed team photo that went for $800. It was followed closely by a Phil Hughes signed jersey ($700) and Roger Clemens ball ($650).