Strike out trafficking World Series challenge

[Christ Church Cathedral – St. Louis, Missouri] When the last pitch settled into David Ross’ glove, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series — and Amirah, a nonprofit in Boston dedicated to providing effective, whole person aftercare for survivors of trafficking, won the $8,275 pot in the Strike Out Trafficking World Series Challenge.

Christ Church Cathedral, the Episcopal Cathedral in downtown St. Louis, and The Cathedral Church of St. Paul in downtown Boston issued the challenge to raise money for local nonprofits that help women recovering from prostitution and human trafficking.

But even though the Red Sox and Amirah came out on top, Cardinal Nation showed itself the most generous, outpledging Red Sox Nation $5,486 – $2,789.

If the Cardinals had won, the money would have gone to Magdalene St. Louis — a two-year residential program for women coming out of prostitution, violence and drug abuse, scheduled to open in 2014. Many people who pledged are making matching donations to both organizations.

Among those who took part in the challenge was St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, who had the largest single pledge at $250.

Also as part of the challenge, the Very Rev. Mike Kinman, dean of Christ Church Cathedral, will wear a Red Sox cap during the 10 am service this Sunday at Christ Church Cathedral.