St. Justin Martyr School Hits Homers for Health

Little hits can make a big difference, especially when raising money for charity. Even though opening day was in early April, starting baseball season early with the first Homers for Health "home run" derby during their regular annual Cardinal Day.

The Homers for Health event was so big that it had to be spread out into a two-day period, with a preliminary round of more than 60 participants. They raised almost $650 for Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. On day two, the top six participants battled it out for a chance to go to Forest Park May 22 to compete with other local schools.

"This was the first year of the home run challenge, but we've had a Cardinal Day every year for the past 12 or so years," Principal Beth Bartolotta said. "Every year we have a charity involved with an activity."

Cardinal Glennon initial sent out letters about Homers for Health to the entire St. Louis area, but after Archibishop Carlson sent a letter specifically to St. Justin Martyr, they knew that it would fit perfectly with Cardinal Day.

Students got to "dress down" for the derby—they typically wear uniforms—and enjoyed a raffle and luncheon with Dan Buck and the Rally Squirrel in attendance. Finalists will have a chance to meet St. Louis Cardinal players David Freese and Matt Holliday at the Forest Park competition. 

Check out the attached video of the St. Justin Martyr festivities.