The Arizona Diamondbacks announced today they will give $212,500 to Valley of the Sun United Way, in support of 24 Valley-based children’s non-profit organizations. The D-backs contributed $2.50 from every ticket purchased in the final 15 home games this season at Chase Field. The donation also includes a personal match from D-backs’ Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick and funds raised from the team’s annual “Shirts Off Our D-backs” event during the final weekend series of the season.

“This is a significant donation in addition to what we are raising through our workplace campaign,” said D-backs’ President and CEO Derrick Hall, who is also Valley of the Sun United Way’s campaign chairman for 2009. “There is no greater time than now to help those in need. This achievement would not have come to fruition without the generosity of Ken Kendrick, who we thank sincerely for the match.”

Included in the donation was $25,000 given to Valley of the Sun United Way’s Community Fund, Results That Matter, which provides vital funding to ensure children and youth succeed, increase financial stability, improve the health and safety of neighborhoods, and end hunger and homelessness.