Citizens Bank, Phillies, and the American Red Cross raise dollars for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Fans attending National League games during the 10-game homestand at Citizens Bank Park will have the opportunity to team with the Phillies, Citizens Bank and the American Red Cross to raise dollars for Hurricane Katrina victims.

The homestand, which includes pennant-race games against the Houston Astros, Florida Marlins and Atlanta Braves, begins on Monday, September 5, and concludes on Thursday, September 15. There is no game on Thursday, September 8.

Collection Locations:

Donations for the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund will be accepted at specially designated locations inside the First Base, Third Base and Left Field Gates at Citizens Bank Park when the gates open (1 ½ hours prior to game time during the week; 2 hours before Saturday/Sunday games).

After the conclusion of the first inning, donations will be accepted at Guest Services (behind Sections 112 and 318) and two Ashburn Alley locations, the Phillies Charities, Inc., kiosk and Citizens Bank kiosk. Citizens Ballpark Bankers, who are at every Phillies game greeting fans and passing out special treats, will oversee the donations at the Citizens Bank kiosk.

The collection locations will be staffed by Phillies employees, who are volunteering their time, and celebrity guests. The celebrity guests on Monday (September 5) will be Phillies Alumni Ruben Amaro Jr., Ozzie Virgil and Mike Rogodzinski.

Cash or checks will be accepted. Credit cards will not be honored.

The contributions will be used by the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need.

Fans who donate will receive information on Red Cross blood donation efforts. The Phillies and the Red Cross on August 13 conducted a blood donation drive at Citizens Bank Park. Over 500 people donated blood that day.

Monday night is Bobby Abreu Figurine Night. All fans will receive a 7" action figurine of Abreu, courtesy of the American Red Cross.

Additional opportunities to make a donation or more information is available at the American Red Cross website (www.redcross.org) or by calling 800-HELP-NOW (800-435-7669).

Monday Night Special

Phillies Charities, Inc., will conduct a special Silent Auction of autographed baseball memorabilia by the current Phillies players and Phillies Alumni on Monday night (September 5).

The Silent Auction will take place from 5:35 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the First Base Gate Plaza. Proceeds will also be donated to the Relief Fund.

Among the items in the Auction are bats, baseballs and uniform jerseys signed by Mike Schmidt and Robin Roberts, two Hall of Famers; Chase Utley, Billy Wagner, Pat Burrell, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Bobby Abreu and other current players.

In addition to the contributions from the fans and the money raised from the Silent Auction, Phillies Charities, Inc., will make a contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.