ST. LOUIS – ‘Waino’s World of Fantasy Football,’ a charity event in St. Louis that generated more than $120,000 for two charities in 2013, is expanding into 10 cities in 2014.

The second annual event in St. Louis will be held on August 15, 2014.

Waino’s World of Fantasy Football is an event organized by Big League Impact, Inc., a Georgia-based non-profit organization founded by St. Louis Cardinals pitching ace Adam Wainwright and his brother Trey Wainwright as “Waino’s World, Inc.”  Its mission is to support essential needs causes (e.g., food, water, shelter and other basic needs) domestically and abroad.

The 2014 “Waino’s World” in St. Louis will benefit Operation Food Search, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis and Cardinals Care as well as the Big League Impact Basic Needs Initiative.  The initial event raised more than $120,000 for Operation Food Search, the largest distributor of free food in the bi-state region, and Water Missions International, an international clean water engineering organization.

With its portion of the proceeds, Water Missions International installed a clean water system for a community of nearly 2,000 people in Honduras.  Operation Food Search used the donation to supply weekly backpacks to needy children, provide nutrition education to low-income adults and children and distribute food to its network of approved agencies which feed more than 150,000 people each month.

“We are honored to once again benefit from this fun, philanthropic event organized by Cardinals star pitcher Adam Wainwright,” said Sunny Schaefer, executive director of Operation Food Search.  “Combining elements of America’s two favorite sports is an entertaining way by Big League Impact to raise funds for many deserving charities in St. Louis and other cities.

“With its focus on essential needs causes, the mission of Big League Impact blends well with the goals of Operation Food Search,” added Schaefer.   “Each month Operation Food Search feeds 150,000 people, including nearly 50,000 children, throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area in union with our 250 community partner agencies.  We value the opportunity to work with Adam and Big League Impact, Inc.”

Kimberly McKinney, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, said that “We are thrilled to have been chosen by Adam to be one of three local charities to benefit from ‘Waino’s World.’  It is reaffirming to be acknowledged for the vital work we do in St. Louis City and County.

“We applaud ‘Waino’s World’s mission that shelter is an essential need,” added McKinney.  “We agree.  For almost 30 years, we have worked to improve housing conditions and provide safe, decent and affordable housing in the local community.  We look forward to working with the Wainwrights on this fun, charitable event.”

Each Big League Impact event includes two primary components:  (1) an online fantasy football contest where a limited number of fans compete against baseball’s stars over the course of the football season for prizes, and (2) a draft day experience at a major league ballpark, including a live, moderated fantasy football draft plus other VIP perks such as on-field special access to batting practice and exclusive tours.  Proceeds from each Big League Impact event support a variety of causes locally where the event takes place, with a portion reserved to support Big League Impact mission statement charities.

Contribution levels for the Waino’s World event August 15 start at $3,000 and include:

• A live, moderated football fantasy draft with Cardinals players and legends at the Champions Club at Busch Stadium.  Players scheduled to participate include Matt Carpenter, Allen Craig, Matt Holliday, Lance Lynn, Shelby Miller, Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright;
• Dan McLaughlin as MC for the event;
• Additional appearances by other special guests;
• Food and beverage during the draft;
• Photo opportunity;
• Autographed merchandise by all participating St. Louis baseball players (items provided by Waino’s World; no autographs allowed during the event);
• Behind-the-scenes tour of Busch Stadium;
• VIP access to batting practice;
• Access to party suite for the Cardinals game with the San Diego Padres that night, including food and beverages;
• Weekly interaction and competition with major league players throughout the fantasy football season and more chances to win other great prizes. 

For more information, call 636-447-1170 or visit www.wainosworld.com.