Mariners continue to raise awareness about national gun violence during Wear Orange Weekend

In recognition of Wear Orange Weekend, the Seattle Mariners will wear orange t-shirts, as well as maroon t-shirts in honor of Robb Elementary School during batting practice ahead of today’s game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The orange shirts will be part of an online auction where proceeds will support the Washington Department of Commerce’s Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention (OFSVP).

“The Mariners believe it’s important to continue to raise awareness about gun violence and use our platform to make an impact by supporting organizations like OFSVP,” stated Catie Griggs, Seattle Mariners President of Business Operations. “We need to continue to elevate the conversation in order to prevent other families from experiencing any further loss and heartbreak from senseless acts of violence.”

The OFSVP prioritizes investment in underserved, historically disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, building violence prevention and intervention capacity through engagement, outreach, and technical assistance. Working with policymakers, public health officials, government entities, law enforcement agencies, researchers, and community organizations, OFSVP takes a data-driven approach to reducing gun violence.

The virtual auction will open June 15 and run through June 24 on the Mariners official online auction website. The Mariners Care Foundation will match contributions raised from the auction.

“We are grateful to the Mariners organization for recognizing our efforts to reduce firearms violence in our state,” said Kate Kelly, Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention Executive Director. “Working with a range of partners, we are studying and supporting promising practices in communities throughout the state to intervene in and prevent these tragic and avoidable losses.”

Additionally, T-Mobile Park’s roof lights will be orange all weekend to show support for survivors of gun violence and express the organization’s continued commitment to bringing awareness to this necessary conversation.

Today’s announcement is a continuation of the Mariners and the Mariners Care Foundation’s explicit focus on advancing equity and justice in the community. The organizations are driven to using their platform to impact the community and push for action and change.

To learn more about OFSVP and find ways to get involved, visit https://www.commerce.wa.gov/public-safety. For more information about the upcoming auction, please visit Mariners.com/Auction.