The Cardinals announced today that the team will conduct an online ticket auction, collect fan donations at the gate before a game and make a donation to benefit the victims of the earthquake in Japan and tsunami in the Pacific.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as they rebuild their lives in the wake of this terrible tragedy,” said Michael Hall, Vice President of Cardinals Care and Community Relations. “This is a nice opportunity for fans to help.”

Cardinals Care is making a $5,000 donation to Save the Children, an organization focused on helping children impacted by the disaster. Fans can get involved by participating in a special online auction or making a donation at one of Busch Stadium’s gates as they enter the ballpark for the team’s April 23 game against the Reds.

The Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Auction will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 18, at mlb.com. Fans will have a chance to bid on an exclusive ticket package for four Cardinals tickets, good for any Monday through Thursday home game, complete with a pre-game field visit and an opportunity to get their photograph taken in the Cardinals dugout.

All proceeds from the stadium collection and online auction will go to UNICEF to assist the people of Japan recover and rebuild. The auction is part of a joint effort with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association.