April 26, 2007
Red Sox Nation rallies for the Jimmy Fund
Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis at the Furnace Brook Middle School
Boston Red Sox fans hit a grand slam in the fight against cancer by raising more than $350,000 for the Jimmy Fund during the second annual Rally Against CancerSM. The final numbers aren't in, as teams continue to pitch in contributions.
John Hancock Long Term Care Insurance was the top fundraising office team in the Rally Against Cancer raising $9,894 for the Jimmy Fund. Students and staff at Furnace Brook Middle School topped the school division with a gift of $16,825. As a reward, Youkilis visited both to answer questions about life on and off the field, to sign autographs and take pictures.
"Let's go Red Sox. Let's go!" was chanted in the gymnasium at the middle school. Students were overly enthusiastic, because Youkilis didn't come solo. He brought a surprise guest—rookie and second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Youkilis couldn't think of a better way to introduce him to the Jimmy Fund.
Applause and cheers of "Youk!" were heard throughout a John Hancock auditorium that looked more like Yawkey Way than an office. The Sausage Guy was on deck, and popcorn and pretzels were being served as the Sox first baseman made his way into the auditorium to thank the Jimmy Fund supporters.
Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis signed autographs after speaking at John Hancock Long Term Care Insurance.
"The outpouring of support from all of Red Sox Nation is truly impressive," says Youkilis, Rally Against Cancer honorary spokesman. "Schools and companies, both large and small, proved that a small donation from everyone goes a long way to help the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute conquer cancer."
More than 489 businesses and schools throughout Red Sox Nation participated in the Rally, which encouraged companies, colleges, and schools (K-12) to allow their employees and students who donated at least $5 to the Jimmy Fund to wear Red Sox gear to work or school on April 10, the day of the home opener. Furthermore, schools and offices were vying to be a top fundraiser to earn a visit from #20 himself.
"The visits were great. Both the employees at John Hancock and the students and staff at Furnace Brook Middle School were elated to see Youkilis," says Charles Savicki, organizer of the Rally. "And I can't thank Youkilis enough. He was a crowd pleaser and extremely sincere and passionate when talking about the Jimmy Fund."
The Jimmy Fund has been an official charity of the Boston Red Sox since 1953. The Rally is just one program that exhibits the strong partnership between the two, and due to its success, another Rally Against Cancer is being planned for next year's Red Sox home opening game.
