Monday, August 21, 2006

Keeping Things in Perspective

The Yankees came to town and gave us a beating. Actually five merciless beatings in four days. But during that same time the Red Sox, NESN, and WEEI raised over $2.9 million for the Jimmy Fund, the club's official charity. And they did it in less than 24 hours.

If you are from Boston or New England, you know about the Jimmy Fund. In 1953, it became the official team charity. Over the years all of Red Sox Nation has given generously to this amazing organization. Today, the Jimmy Fund Clinic at the Dana-Farber is recognized worldwide as one of the premier centers for pediatric cancer research and treatment.
Even members of the Yankees organization put aside the rivalry to do their part. Evil George gave $10,000 - he makes a generous donation every year. Roger Clemens, #21, donated $21,000. Jason Giambi gave $1,000. And Donald Trump, not a Yankee, but a well-known Yankee fan, stepped up, donating $60,000 on the spot, to ensure the telethon would break its 2005 record.

I'm wondering, do other major league teams have official charities? I know that many individual players have established foundations to support important causes that are meaningful to them, but are the Red Sox unique in the way they support this particular charity as a team?

For more information on the Jimmy Fund and to learn how you can help, go to http://jimmyfund.com

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