The Virginia Baseball Congress was established for two reasons: to create an organized baseball league for men and to provide fundraising help to local charity organizations. To accomplish the fundraising task, Steven D. Piciacchio and Paul T. Buckwalter III created the VBC Foundation in March of 1991. In the years since, over $140,000.00 has been raised to benefit local charities, Big brothers/Big Sisters of Metropolitan Richmond and Virginia Special Olympics, Area 6. Read the following synopsis to learn a little more about our fundraising efforts.

Each summer since 1991, the foundation has staged a charity/baseball marathon called "A Day at the Diamond." The event is held at The Diamond, home of the Richmond Braves baseball organization, the Triple-A farm club for the Atlanta Braves. The first benefactor was Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metropolitan Richmond (1991-1994) and the VBC Foundation raised approximately $40,000.00 for this group. Commencing in 1995, the VBC benefactor has been Virginia Special Olympics (VASO), Area 6 and the foundation has raised over $100,000.00 through 2002.

The charity/baseball marathon is marked by games on the field throughout the day. There are games between VBC teams and there are two (2) games that showcase VASO teams. The VASO teams hail from Chesterfield and Henrico counties and these athletes participate in year round activities such as skiing, basketball, as well as baseball.

On the main concourse throughout the day, there are special events and presentations for children and adults. There are face-painting clowns, several band that play throughout the afternoon, a cake walk, and several amusements for children such as putt-putt golf, the Moonwalk, bungee run, inflatable maze and the flytrap.

A silent auction for adults is also available all day. This auction contains various items donated by local merchants. Bids are written on the accompanying sheets along with the person’s name and phone number. Bids can be registered anytime from 12:00 noon to 8:00 PM. Once the auction closes, all bids are final. The last bid registered will have forty-eight (48) hours to purchase the item. Afterward, it reverts to the second highest bidder.

VASO, in conjunction with the VBC, produces an event program that contains the schedule of the day’s events, team pictures and statistics, along with advertisements of the many donating merchants. Private, personal donations may also be made to VBC/VASO.

The proceeds from the event go directly to the VASO organization. The official presentation of the check to the officers of VASO is made at the VBC Annual Awards Banquet.