Dallas Cowboys Aim for Fences at Reliant Home Run Derby, Raising $50,000 for The Salvation Army

Showcasing athleticism for a good cause, members of the Dallas Cowboys took to the baseball diamond to bat for charity at the sixth annual Reliant Home Run Derby. For the first time, the annual competition was open to the public and nearly 3,000 fans filled Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, to cheer as their favorite players raised $50,000 for the Gene and Jerry Jones Family North Texas Youth Education Town of The Salvation Army Arlington.

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“Watching the Dallas Cowboys step up to the plate each year to support The Salvation Army is one of our favorite ways to give to the Dallas-Fort Worth community,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president, Reliant. “Welcoming public spectators this year gave us an even greater appreciation for our local communities, and we look forward to growing this annual tradition for everyone to enjoy.”

Cowboys trading their shoulder pads for baseball cleats included Jason Witten, Sean Lee, Byron Jones, Zack Martin, Jeff Heath, Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, Terrance Williams, Dez Bryant, Orlando Scandrick, Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick. Pitches were thrown by Mike Weatherford and Chad “Gator” Haag, and baseball players from Frisco’s nine high schools shagged balls. The National Anthem was performed by Captain Shelley Hood from The Salvation Army. Joining and participating in the special event were the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Rowdy the Dallas Cowboys Mascot, The Salvation Army Mascot Captain Kettle, and the Cowboys’ official drumline Rhythm and Blue.

Coach Garrett was explosive at the plate and crowned the 2017 Reliant Home Run Derby champion, hitting a total of seven home runs and raising $4,900. Coming in a close second at the friendly competition was Jason Witten, totaling six homers and raising $4,800.

“Our players look forward to the Reliant Home Run Derby every year, it’s such a fun and meaningful way for partners like Reliant and The Salvation Army to come together for our community. Having our local fans join us made the occasion even more special for all involved,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, Cowboys executive vice president and chief brand officer. “Last year, Dak Prescott and Zeke Elliott were rookies shagging balls, this year it was great to see them taking swings for a great cause!”

Reliant supports local communities through volunteerism, charitable giving and partnerships with a variety of organizations, and in 2016 donated more than $650,000 to different causes. Last year’s Reliant Home Run Derby also raised $50,000 for The Salvation Army, and over the course of six years the event has raised more than $400,000 for different charities and nonprofits.

About Reliant, an NRG Company

Reliant brings electricity, smart energy solutions and home services to business and residential customers across Texas. Reliant is part of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 200 company that is at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Backed by a diverse portfolio of nearly 140 power generating facilities that can support millions of homes and businesses nationwide, NRG’s retail companies, including Reliant, deliver electricity and home security services and serve almost 3 million customers in 10 states and the District of Columbia. NRG retail brands collectively are the largest providers of electricity in Texas. For more information about Reliant products and services, please visit reliant.com and connect with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and Twitter @ReliantEnergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.

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