July 24, 2007
Berardi aids Jimmy Fund, honors boyhood heroes
Jimmy Fund hero George Berardi threw out the first pitch at the U.S. championship game during the 2006 Little League World Series.
Growing up in Woburn in the 1930s and '40s, George Berardi was a big fan of the old Boston Braves baseball team. Although the National League franchise could never overtake the Red Sox in popularity and eventually skipped town, Berardi has spent the past 20 years supporting the Braves' lasting legacy in New England: The Jimmy Fund.
As director of the Jimmy Fund Little League Program since its inception, Berardi oversees the summer fundraising efforts of hundreds of teams throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. His efforts have resulted in more than $2 million for the Dana-Farber charity the Braves helped launch back in 1948, and have helped introduce countless young boys and girls to the spirit of giving.
"Because of George's efforts, Little Leaguers learn there is more to life than winning, and our patients learn that they are not alone during their difficult battles," says Jimmy Fund Chairman Mike Andrews. "These are wonderful life lessons, and George has been a wonderful teacher."
A former semipro ballplayer, Berardi has been involved with youth baseball and softball since 1951, serving as an umpire, coach, and for the past 38 years as State Director of Little League in Massachusetts. As thanks for his tireless dedication, the state's annual Little League tournament was renamed in Berardi's honor last fall. The 82-year-old also threw out the first pitch before the United States Championship Game of the 2006 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
"It's been a great ride, and I'm so proud of what we've accomplished for the Jimmy Fund," says Berardi. "I've taken some of the Little League district leaders in a few times to see what goes on at Dana-Farber, and that's when it really hits home how important a mission we're on."
By Saul Wisnia
Each year's top fundraising teams (including this Westborough squad) get invited to a Red Sox game.
(Steve Gilbert photo)
