March 2004
Three truly unique Boston activities, all for charity
Swim in Boston Harbor, hit one out of Fenway Park, or walk the Boston Marathon route this summer. These aren't activities that travelers usually plan to do on a trip to Boston, but think about the stories they'll be able to tell when they get back home.
Each activity occurs as part of fundraisers for Boston's most well known charity — the Jimmy Fund — and raises important funds to advance cancer research at the city's world-renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Swim Across America Boston Harbor Islands Swim, July 16, is a 22-mile relay held in the waters of Boston Harbor. Participants get to swim with former Olympians and the funds they raise provide special services to help survivors of childhood cancer cope with the long-term side effects of their treatments and develop more effective treatments to eliminate these side effects in current patients. Swim day begins at Rowes Wharf in downtown Boston at 7 a.m., but the event includes a party the night before and a reception following the swim. A minimum fundraising pledge of $1,500 is required to participate.
Participants in the John Hancock Fantasy Day at Fenway Park to benefit the Jimmy Fund, July 17, get 15 chances to hit a ball over Fenway's famed left field wall (the "Green Monster") or get to test their fielding skills for an hour on the hallowed field. Also included is a tour of the historic park — Fenway opened on April 20, 1912, before any of the existing big league parks — lunch in the luxurious .406 Club with their guests, and the thrill of seeing their name in lights and hearing a description of their performance announced over the loudspeaker. Babe Ruth and Ted Williams played there. Walk in their footsteps by signing up for the $1,750 Batting Package, the $750 Fielding Package, or do both for $2,500.
The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, Sept. 19, is the only event other than the Boston Marathon itself to be held over the famed Boston Marathon route from Hopkinton to Boston. Walkers can go the entire 26.2 miles from Hopkinton Center or choose to walk the half-marathon, 13.1 miles from Wellesley. Whichever distance is chosen, it's an athletic feat almost as challenging as running it. Support stations are set up all along the route with food, drink and encouragement for the walkers as they head to the party held just for them at Boston's Copley Square. The fundraising minimum is $200 for this exclusive event.
