ST. LOUIS (ABP) — Missouri Baptist University recently contributed $9,000 to the Pujols Family Foundation as the first gift in a partnership the university plans to continue.
MBU President Alton Lacey presented St. Louis Cardinals standout Albert Pujols with a check at Busch Stadium before the Cardinals-Braves game Sept. 9. The gift was raised at this year's MBU Health and Sport Sciences Golf Tournament.
"The opportunity for Missouri Baptist University to assist Albert and Deidre Pujols in their work in St. Louis and the Dominican Republic is an honor," Lacey said. "The Pujols Foundation has helped improve the quality of life for a countless number of people throughout the world."
The university has developed a partnership with the foundation that it plans to continue. In October, MBU will host a basketball tournament the foundation sponsors.
Founded by the couple, the Pujols' Foundation exists to help those living with Down syndrome in St. Louis and to improve the lives of the impoverished in the Dominican Republic.
MBU sold hundreds of Cardinals' tickets for Missouri Baptist University's annual Night at the Ballpark. Prior to the game, Andy Chambers, MBU senior vice president for student development, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The gift represents MBU's commitment to ministering in its community. The university also has a growing relationship with Ronald McDonald House Charities and will host the second annual MBU Run for Ronald on Oct. 15.
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