Big Day for Rochester Boy

A big thrill for a young Rochester boy this weekend. Chayce Klinger

will have the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch in Sunday’s game between the Twins and Kansas City at Target Field.

The 6 year old and 450 March of Dimes supporters will also march around the field before the game.

Chayce won the honor by helping raise money for the annual March for Babies held in Rochester in April, which raised nearly $100,000.

The local organization says Chayce and his parents Paul and Heather are actively involved with the March of Dimes. Paul Klinger serves on the Minnesota Chapter March of Dimes Board as the Chair of the Southeast Division.

For the Klinger family, the mission of the March of Dimes is very personal. They suffered the loss of Chayce’s older sister due to stillbirth and his older brother due to premature birth.

“We raise money for the March of Dimes so that another parent does not have to experience the same pain and loss that we have experienced,” said Heather Klinger. “Chayce recently told us he wishes he could see a shooting star so he could make a wish to have his brother and sister with him.”

“We try to get people actively involved with the March of Dimes through participating with us in the March for Babies and our annual golf tournament, the PK Classic.,” said Paul Klinger. Held August 2 in Winona, Minnesota the 13th annual event raised $12,000 for the March of Dimes.

Chayce attends Bonner Elementary School in Stewartville, Minnesota. He loves cheering on the Vikings and the Twins. His favorite player is Joe Mauer.