Boston Red Sox Celebrate UNICEF at Fenway Park
BOSTON, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The U.S. Fund for UNICEF and the Boston Red Sox announced today the recognition of the UN children’s agency, UNICEF, during pregame and in-game activities at Fenway Park on Thursday, October 1, 2009.
In honor of designated hitter David Ortiz and his wife Tiffany who volunteer with UNICEF, The Red Sox Foundation is making a contribution of $2,700 to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, which is the primary fundraising arm of UNICEF in the U.S.
The Red Sox Foundation will donate 7 cents, the cost of immunizing a child from the threat of polio, on behalf of each fan attending the Red Sox game. The amount the official team charity is donating represents a life-saving vaccine for over 38,000 children. Funds collected will help reduce the number of daily preventable deaths of children, from 24,000 to zero.
“The Red Sox Foundation has shown great commitment in addressing the need to help reduce child mortality rates and we are grateful for the generosity of the fans and supporters” said
Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “Every day 24,000 children die from preventable causes. A little goes a long way and every penny counts to support our mission to reduce 24,000 to zero.”
Before the game, the Wives of Red Sox players and UNICEF staff will be positioned at the gates to distribute Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection boxes as fans enter Fenway Park. Now in its 59th year, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is one of the nation’s longest running youth philanthropy programs, and is often a child’s first experience with volunteerism in the United States. As an educational and fundraising initiative, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF provides U.S. children, along with their parents and teachers, the opportunity to learn about their peers worldwide who are truly in need and to stem the tide of the unnecessary deaths.
“We are grateful to David and Tiffany for their charitable leadership in working to help children in need here in New England and far beyond,” said Red Sox Senior Vice President and Foundation Exec Director Meg Vaillancourt. “The compassion shown by the Ortiz family for at-risk children is matched only by their generosity and talents. All of us in the Red Sox Family are honored to join them in celebrating the vital work UNICEF does. “
UNICEF supporter and founder of Solidworks Corporation, Jon Hirschtick, will plan to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game against the Cleveland Indians. Additionally, a PSA will be featured during the seventh inning stretch featuring David Ortiz, designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox urging fans to support UNICEF in its efforts to save children’s lives.
To purchase tickets, please visit the Red Sox website at www.redsox.com.
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.
UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress–the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 24,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org
About the Red Sox Foundation
The philanthropic arm of the Boston Red Sox team, the Red Sox Foundation is committed to using the power of Red Sox Nation to create new and strengthened community partnerships that will improve the lives of children, adults and families across New England. The Foundation’s efforts are primarily focused on improving health, educational and recreational opportunities, as well as social service programs in urban neighborhoods. A 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Red Sox Foundation raises most of its funds through special events, donations from supporters and other fundraising activities. Founded and initially funded by the Red Sox and their partners, the Red Sox Foundation has won numerous awards for its innovative programs and impact in the community.
SOURCE U.S. Fund for UNICEF