(L to R) Mike Aviles and Billy Butler of the Kansas City Royals

SHAWNEE, Kan. (April 30, 2009) – Billy Butler of The Kansas City Royals will help feed local families after pounding his first two home runs of the season during last night’s game.

As part of “Hit it a Ton” campaign, each time Butler hits a homerun during the 2009 season Straub Construction of Kansas City and Butler will each donate one ton of food to St. James Place, a food pantry operated by Bishop Sullivan Center.

Plus, Butler will have some help this year from his friend and teammate, Mike Aviles. Each time Aviles hits a home run Mail Print Inc. will donate a ton of food as well.

Last year Butler, Straub Construction and Bishop Sullivan Center raised nearly $100,000 through the Hit-It-A-Ton campaign to help feed hungry families in Kansas City. One ton of food is 2,000 pounds, and will provide emergency grocery assistance to 50 local families. The cost of a ton of food is $200 when purchased from the Harvesters Food Bank.

“This campaign aligns with the vision of Straub Construction in that we want to improve people’s lives within our community,” said Ernie Straub III, president of Straub Construction Company. “While a ton of food may sound like a lot, it really isn’t considering Bishop Sullivan Center operates two food pantries that feed about 100 families a day.”

“We hope the Kansas City community will join us in fighting hunger,” Straub continued. “It’s especially important given these challenging times families are currently faced with. Collectively, we can all make a difference.”

The general public can also get involved in Hit it a Ton and will be rewarded for their generosity. By visiting www.HitItATon.org, donors will receive Billy Butler autographed merchandise. Also, anyone who donates will receive a ticket to attend “Hit it a Ton Night at the K” that includes a pre-game tailgate party.

ABOUT BILLY BUTLER

Billy was born in Orange Park, Florida on April 18, 1986. He was one of only a few high school athletes to be named an All-State performer for five years, and during his senior season, Billy was honored with winning the “Jasper” award for Male Amateur Baseball Player of the Year named by the Florida Sports Awards; Louisville Slugger Player of the Year in Florida; The Florida Diamond Club Player of the Year; and the Times Union Player of the Year. In 2004, Billy garnered a first round selection with the Kansas City Royals and made his Major League debut in 2007.

ABOUT STRAUB CONSTRUCTION

Straub Construction Kansas City is a general contractor specializing in multi-family, commercial, institutional, religious and historic renovation construction. The Straub team provides innovative solutions and technical knowledge, delivered by licensed, trained and accredited tradesmen. They value on-time and on-budget, quality construction. Straub Construction has been a generous donor to Bishop Sullivan Center and numerous other charities in the metro area for many years. For more information, please visit www.straubconstruction.com.

ABOUT BISHOP SULLIVAN CENTER

Bishop Sullivan Center is the largest single site provider of emergency assistance in the Kansas City area. Their mission is to provide basic necessities to people who are unable to do so and to move those who are able to become self-sufficient. We are extremely proud to be considered a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity. Achieving Charity Navigator’s highest rating year after year means our donors can feel confident that they are funding a financially sound nonprofit organization that uses its resources wisely. For more information, please visit www.bishopsullivan.org.