Altoona Curve on Wednesday launched Altoona Curve Charities, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting local youth programs and organizations that promote exercise, health, activity and education.

The charity will provide support to local organizations by contributing time and funds that align with Curve’s mission, according to a press release.

Local support from Curve Charities has already touched the Altoona area with its contributions to renovating a pitch at the East End Little League in 2018.

“The renovation of the East End Little League was the first step for our organization towards a more proactive approach to local youth baseball and softball,” Annie Choiniere, director of Curve Charities. “Our 2022 grant program will be accepting applications in the fall and we look forward to creating meaningful diamond experiences for children across Blair County through this program.”

Applications for the Curve Charities Grant Program 2022 will be accepted from October 1 to December 1. 15. Requests can be submitted by visiting www.milb.com/altoona/community/altoona-curve-charities.

In addition to the grant program, Curve Charities will oversee and administer a 50/50 raffle at Curve home games in 2022.

Fans can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets at each Curve game and one fan will win 50% of the total amount raised in each game, with the remainder going to support Curve Charities’ 2022 lineup. Winners will be drawn at games on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Peoples Natural Gas Field with winning tickets posted at www.milb.com/altoona/community/altoona-curve-charities/5050

The Curve is scheduled to start the 2022 season on Friday, April 8, at home with the Harrisburg Senators.