Highmark West Virginia and the Charleston Dirty Birds Team up for Ks for Kids to West Virginia KIDS COUNT

Charleston, W.Va. (August 24, 2022) — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia and the Charleston Dirty Birds presented a gift of $2,500 to officials of the West Virginia KIDS COUNT organization during the August 20th Dirty Birds home game. This donation is part of the 8th annual Ks for Kids program, in which Highmark West Virginia donates $5 for every strikeout thrown by a Charleston Dirty Birds pitcher at Appalachian Power Park this season.

“Through our annual Ks for Kids program, Highmark West Virginia and Charleston Dirty Birds have the unique opportunity to partner with a community-based nonprofit program that is making a difference in the lives of our children,” said Highmark West Virginia President Jim Fawcett. “At Highmark West Virginia, we care about children and families throughout the Mountain State, and supporting West Virginia KIDS COUNT is just one of the ways we can invest in their futures.”

West Virginia KIDS COUNT is a private, nonprofit organization that has championed the needs of kids and families for more than 30 years as the leading resource for data on child and family well-being in the state. As a member of the national KIDS COUNT Network, it receives funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as well as state-level foundations, government grants, corporations and individuals.

"We are thrilled to be selected as the Ks for Kids charitable benefactor for the 2022 season,” said Tricia Kingery, West Virginia KIDS COUNT executive director. “We appreciate Highmark West Virginia for continuing its charitable partnership with the Charleston Dirty Birds organization. This support will help us continue our mission to help children and families in West Virginia.”

This is the eighth year that Highmark West Virginia has partnered with the minor league baseball organization as part of the Ks for Kids program. Since 2014, more than $18,500 has been awarded through Ks for Kids to deserving local organizations. This year it hopes to surpass $20,000 in total raised since the start of the program.

"We are pleased that Highmark West Virginia is continuing its Ks for Kids charitable partnership with the Charleston Dirty Birds," said Dirty Birds President Chuck Domino. "When a Dirty Birds pitcher strikes out an opposing batter, Highmark West Virginia will be helping make our children’s lives better, so let’s cheer them on for more strikeouts than ever this season.”

The 2022 Charleston Dirty Birds team is on pace for more than 500 strikeouts this season and will continue its season through September.