New Stars for Young Stars IX brings prospects and fans together

BOSTON, Mass. -- Saturday was the ninth New Stars for Young Stars event at Jillian’s Boston, the annual Jimmy Fund fundraiser that gives fans a chance to meet and get autographs from some of their favorite Red Sox players, present and future. Prospects in attendance were pitchers Drake Britton and Rubby De La Rosa (pictured) along with infielder Mookie Betts and catcher Blake Swihart. Newly signed Red Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was also in town for the event.

There were autograph sessions, a silent auction, and a bowling contest to help strike out cancer during the main event, but the real charity went on behind closed doors beforehand. In the morning, the players mingled and shot pool with patients from the Jimmy Fund Clinic and their families. Wally the Green Monster even made an appearance to shoot pool and take pictures.

"It's a great event for the kids to be out here," Britton said. "I think it gives them some ease from the pain or whatever they're going through. It's also good for us, and the people who run it, to see them smile brings a smile to our faces. So it's good for both of us."

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Tickets available for Saturday's New Stars for Young Stars fundraiser

Tickets are still available for the ninth New Stars for Young Stars fundraiser, taking place this Saturday at 11:00 AM at Jillian's Boston. The annual event benefits the Jimmy Fund and features some of the top young prospects in the Red Sox system signing autographs in a meet-and-greet style format.

The lineup includes SoxProspects.com Offensive Player of the Year Mookie Betts, Blake Swihart, Drake Britton and Rubby De La Rosa. New Red Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski will also be in attendance.

Aside from the autograph session, there will also be a bowling competition, buffet lunch, sports memorabilia sale and silent auction. 

Tickets, which can be purchased here, start at $89, and VIP tickets are $250. All proceeds will go to the Jimmy Fund. The first eight editions of "New Stars for Young Stars" have raised more than $221,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

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New Stars for Young Stars takes center stage this Saturday

The Annual New Stars for Young Stars event will take place this Saturday from 11 AM to 1:30 PM at Jillian's in Boston. 

Tickets are still available for the event and can be purchased at jimmyfund.org/new-stars or by calling 1-800-52-JIMMY. There will also be tickets available for purchase at the door. All proceeds go to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

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Red Sox players aim to strike out cancer at New Stars for Young Stars event

The Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston has announced that the annual New Stars for Young Stars event will be taking place on Saturday, January 19 at Jillian's.

The initial lineup includes: Red Sox pitchers Rich Hill and Craig Breslow, outfielder Ryan Kalish, 2012 Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year Brandon Workman, and top prospects Anthony Ranaudo, Deven Marrero, Blake Swihart and Garin Cecchini. More players could be added as the date gets closer.

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Grand Slam for Sandy

We here at SoxProspects.com are proud to call ourselves part of the extended Red Sox baseball community, and when someone in your community needs your help you should do whatever possible to aid them. Over the years many have helped us along the way, and it is only right to give back.

Which brings me to Grand Slam for Sandy, a charity started by Portland Sea Dogs catcher, Jayson Hernandez, who grew up in Jackson, NJ.  All money raised by Grand Slam for Sandy goes towards aiding the victims and families effected by Hurricane Sandy, which ravaged the East Coast earlier this year. Many lost power, heat, or even their homes and the recovery has only just begun.

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Wakefield and Buchholz named Jimmy Fund Co-Captains

BOSTON - Red Sox pitchers Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz and President and CEO Larry Lucchino joined Dana-Farber President Edward J. Benz Jr., MD, along with pediatric and adult patients and their families, today to kick off their appointment as Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund Co-captains.

The two pitchers will be ambassadors for the Jimmy Fund to raise awareness and build support for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber. They will also lend their support to some of the charity’s signature events throughout the year, visit adult and pediatric clinics, thank donors, and more.

“We’re proud to have Tim and Clay ‘pitching in’ for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund,” said Benz. “The combination of one of the Red Sox’ most established and distinguished veterans and one of the team’s brightest new stars reinforces the durability of the bond between the Sox and Dana-Farber.”

The Boston Red Sox are unequalled champions in the fight against cancer. The Red Sox adopted the Jimmy Fund as their official charity in 1953, and since then, the two organizations have established a deep bond — unlike any other between a professional sports team and a charity. The Red Sox have teamed with the Jimmy Fund to save lives, seek cures, and dramatically change the quality of life for adults and children facing cancer in New England and around the world.

Buchholz, who served as this year’s honorary spokesplayer for Dana-Farber’s Rally Against CancerSM fundraiser, is thrilled with his newest role with the Jimmy Fund.

“Being involved with the Jimmy Fund is an honor for any Red Sox player, as we are all aware of the long-standing relationship,” said Buchholz. “I feel extremely fortunate to be part of this tradition and will do what I can to support Dana-Farber’s important mission.”

Wakefield has been a longtime supporter of the Jimmy Fund, visiting with clinic teens during their road trips to Spring Training and a Red Sox road game each season, and participating in various WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethons. In 1998, he started the “Wakefield Warriors” program, through which patients from Dana-Farber and Franciscan Hospital for Children visit with him and watch batting practice before all Tuesday games at Fenway Park, and after the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series it was Wakefield who brought the coveted trophy to Dana-Farber for pediatric and adult patients to admire.

“I’ve often said how special it is to be a member of the Red Sox because of the passion New Englanders feel for baseball,” said Wakefield. “It’s the same way with the Jimmy Fund. Every time I walk out to the mound and see that Jimmy Fund emblem out on the Green Monster, I am reminded of the special role the team has played in helping fight cancer since Ted Williams visited with patients at Dana-Farber back in the 1950s.”

The Jimmy Fund, an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, supports the fight against cancer at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helping to raise the chances of survival for children and adults with cancer around the world. Since 1948, the generosity of millions of people has helped the Jimmy Fund save countless lives by furthering cancer research and care.

Join Wakefield and Buchholz in their fight against cancer: Text KCANCER to 20222 to give $10 now (message and data rates apply; ten dollars will be billed to your cell phone; for terms, visit hmgf.org/t).

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Buchholz named Rally Against Cancer spokesplayer

BOSTON—Today the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund announced that Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz is the fifth honorary Rally Against Cancer Spokesplayer. He joins the ranks of past Red Sox spokesplayers Jon Lester, Trot Nixon, Dustin Pedroia, and Kevin Youkilis. Now in its fifth year, Rally Against Cancer encourages Red Sox fans to partner with their companies and schools, as well as their co-workers, classmates, and friends, to each contribute $5 or more to the Jimmy Fund. In exchange, they have the opportunity to wear Red Sox gear to work or school on Rally Day, Tuesday, April 6, when the Sox take on the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. The top fundraising company, school (K-12), and college or university are each eligible for a visit from Buchholz, if located within a two-hour travel distance from Boston. In four years, Rally has raised $1.6 million to support the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber. This year, the program hopes to raise $600,000. Buchholz will talk about his participation in Rally at an upcoming press conference during spring training in Fort Myers.

Founded in 1948, the Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox, supporting the fight against cancer at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, helping to raise the chances of survival for children and adults with cancer around the world. Unrestricted support from the Jimmy Fund is an integral part of Mission Possible: The Dana-Farber Campaign to Conquer Cancer, a $1 billion capital campaign to accelerate cancer research, speed development of lifesaving therapies, and expand the Institute’s signature patient- and family-centered care. For more information about Rally, please visit http://www.rallyagainstcancer.org/.

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New Stars For Young Stars V - Update

This updates an earlier post regardng New Stars for Young Stars V, an upcoming event to support the Jimmy Fund featuring some top Red Sox Prospects.

Curt Schilling is now confirmed for the event. If you buy an MVP ticket, you will be guaranteed a signature from Schilling (as you will get one of the top 30 spots in line) and as it stands now it looks like all ticket buyers will get one as well. Since Schilling will not be there as long as the other players, anyone who did not get his autograph before he leaves will receive a signed World Series photo. The event link and to purchase tickets is below.

http://www.jimmyfund.org/eve/event/new-stars/default.html

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Red Sox prospects to sign autographs to support the Jimmy Fund

BOSTON – Boston Red Sox players and up-and-coming minor leaguers will sign autographs to benefit the Jimmy Fund at the fifth annual “New Stars for Young Stars” event on Saturday, January 9, from 11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Jillian’s Boston.

The lineup includes: Red Sox outfielders Josh Reddick and Jeremy Hermida, pitcher Manny Delcarmen, prospect Ryan Westmoreland (ranked as the #2 Red Sox prospect by SoxProspects.com), 2009 Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year Ryan Kalish, and 2009 Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year Casey Kelly. Former Red Sox great and 2004 World Series champion Trot Nixon will also be taking part in the event.

Tickets are presently on sale at www.jimmyfund.org/new-stars. Two types of tickets are available: (1) an MVP ticket at $250, which includes an official MLB jersey, plus one of the first thirty spots in line; and (2) regular admission tickets at $150 each. All ticket holders can bring one guest, but only the ticket holder may receive autographs. A buffet lunch will be served and sports memorabilia will be on sale. In addition, there will be an opportunity drawing, a silent auction, and bowling to help strike out cancer.

New Stars for Young Stars is hosted by the Jimmy Fund Council of Greater Boston and has quickly become a popular event for Red Sox fans, already having raised nearly $100,000 since its inception in 2006.

Founded in 1948, the Jimmy Fund is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox. It supports the fight against cancer at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which is a leading cancer research and care center for adults and children, and a National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer center. For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.jimmyfund.org/new-stars or call Amy Powers at 617-632-3613.

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Samoan Tsunami Relief Efforts

As many of you know, a tsunami devastated American Samoa last week, leaving at least 176 people dead and several thousand others wounded and trapped. I'm posting this to ask our readers to donate to help the victims in Samoa. Donations can be made at the Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. Below is a press release giving the latest details.

AMERICAN RED CROSS PRESS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Eni Faleomavaega announced today that he has been in close contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the House Committee on Standards regarding donations for tsunami relief efforts.

“As we make our way through this terrible tragedy, the U.S. House of Representatives and the House Committee on Standards has provided my office with a set of rules that we must follow regarding donations,” Faleomavaega said.

“First and foremost, Congressional offices cannot accept donations of any kind for distribution. However, Congressional offices can post links from their official websites to FEMA and non-profit organizations that are working to assist American Samoa. Congressional offices cannot post links to donation pages but we can post links to the home pages of these organizations.”

“Upon the recommendation of FEMA, my office has posted a link at www.house.gov/faleomavaega for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster which has a list of some 40 organizations which have been fully vetted by FEMA which means these organizations are trustworthy sources to accept donations to assist the people of American Samoa and our cousins in Samoa.”

“My office will also be working to get an updated list of local charities in American Samoa and Samoa, including affected villages that may have non-profits set up to receive donations.”

“Additionally, FEMA has asked that my office inform the public not to send food, clothing, or other supplies right now. Right now, we are still in the response stage and, next week, when we move to the recovery stage, FEMA will let us know what supplies are most needed and FEMA has assured my office that it will then work with us to make space available on planes, ships, etc to assist local community organizations with getting their supplies to American Samoa.”

“On behalf of the people of American Samoa, I thank all those who have come together so quickly to help us, especially our Samoan communities throughout the U.S., our Samoan cadets at Wentworth Military Academy, and the NFL which made a major announcement today to fully support our recovery efforts.”

“Three former BYU players, including Vai Sikahema (former Cardinal), Reno Mahe (former Eagle), and Gabe Reid (former Bear), and former Washington State player, Jack Thompson (former Bengal & Buccaneer), are spearheading the effort, and I just want to thank them and the rest of our former and current NFL players for reaching out to FEMA to keep attention focused on our need for assistance. Earlier today, I participated in a conference call with FEMA and the NFL.”

In follow-up conversations with my office, Vai Sikehema stated, “As current and former players, we're pulling together our resources to help our countryman. We've gathered a group of former players to travel home to assist in the relief effort, even if it’s simply to rally morale, and we are grateful to FEMA, the Red Cross and Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL for their efforts and reaching out to help and bless our people."

“I’ve informed Vai that we stand by to welcome and receive our NFL friends and truly appreciate what they are doing to keep attention focused on our needs. It is very important that we keep the media focused on this disaster since as fellow Americans we are in need of our nation’s support. Even though our fatalities do not number those like in Indonesia and other countries who have suffered massive losses, for the size of our population of only about 60,000, the destruction in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa is overwhelming for us. Our way back will be long and hard, but we are hopeful that our fellow Americans and friends from around the world will continue to be there for us until we fully recover from this devastating tsunami,” Faleomavaega concluded.

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WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund All-Star Online Auction Live on eBay

CHARITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

BOSTON- WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon is proud to announce the 2009 All-Star Online Auction. This is a great opportunity to bid on sixteen once in a life time experiences and items, while also supporting the lifesaving mission of the Jimmy Fund, which is raising critical funds for pediatric and adult cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. The auction is currently on eBay and bidding ends on August 24. This auction is in conjunction with the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon. The eighth annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon is on August 27 and 28, broadcast live from Fenway Park.

Selection of Items

• Kelly Clarkson Meet & Greet VIP Concert Experience for Two - A rare opportunity to not only meet the hit-maker and first American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson in concert, but also choose the venue! The auction winner and one (1) guest will make their way to the city of their choice where they’ll meet Kelly prior to a show on her current tour (beginning August 14 and running through December) and enjoy a brief conversation, and then stay for the performance.
• Throw First Pitch at the Red Sox Game on August 27 with Denis Leary & Lenny Clarke - What better way to celebrate the baseball season at Fenway Park than with rabid Red Sox fans Denis Leary and Lenny Clarke! At the start of the August 27 game, the winner will be escorted onto the field to throw the first pitch of the game, then—along with the winner’s guest—join the stars in the WEEI Sports Radio Network Suite to watch the game as well as enjoy an extended meet and greet with Leary and Clarke.
• Meet & Greet with Jersey Boy Frankie Valli in Boston for Two, Plus a Signed Jersey Boys Souvenir Book - The winner and guest will have the chance to watch Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in concert from VIP seats at the Wang Theatre in Boston on November 7, then go backstage afterward to meet the original “Jersey Boy.”
• New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Weekend Package with Airfare and More - Witness the rivalry that’s nearly as old as baseball itself: Yankees versus Red Sox games on the weekend of September 26 & 27, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The winner and a guest will fly to the game on American Airlines and dine at BLT Steak in NYC during their stay.
• Score a Home Game From Inside the Green Monster at Fenway Park! - The Green Monster—the enormous left field wall (tallest of any in Major League Baseball) at Fenway Park in Boston—has stood as home to the park’s scoreboard since 1912! Here’s the chance for the winner and a friend to score three innings of a 2010 home game from inside the wall and then catch the rest of the match from atop the legendary “monster.”

*Certain restriction apply for all auction items, log onto www.ebay.com/jimmyfund for more information and to bid on items.

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Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day at Fenway, July 18th

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

BOSTON – The Red Sox will be on the road but there will be plenty of baseball action at Fenway Park on July 18th as the Jimmy Fund presents the “Ultimate Fan Experience” as well as batting and fielding packages at Jimmy Fund Fantasy Day.

The Ultimate Fan Experience is a chance for people of all ages to enjoy baseball-related activities and entertainment while supporting the fight against cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. On the schedule to take place are: contests, a kid zone, tours, photo opportunities, and a skill zone for those who want to showcase their baseball talents.

The Ultimate Fans can also watch those lucky enough to score a spot in the Fantasy Day on-field batting and fielding package, as they try to hit the Green Monster or play the ball off the wall. Committed fans taking part in Jimmy Fund Fantasy day have raised nearly $6 million since it began in 1992.

The Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ultimate Fan Experience tickets are $25 per person for those 12 and over, $15 for children ages 3 to 11 and free for children under three. Family Packages are also available. There are limited spaces left for the fielding and batting packages, which range from $50 to $200, with a fundraising minimum of $700 to $1800, respectively.

To purchase tickets and find additional information, go to www.jimmyfundfantasyday.org. Rain date is July 19th.

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Turn on your radio to hear Jon Lester Rally Against Cancer

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

BOSTON -- Jon Lester, Red Sox pitcher and spokesman for this year's Rally Against Cancer, will take to the Boston airwaves Wednesday, April 1, and Thursday, April 2, to encourage listeners to Rally Against Cancer in support of the Jimmy Fund and its life saving mission. By giving $5 or more, Rally supporters can wear their Red Sox gear to school or work on Opening Day at Fenway Park Monday, April 6, and could win a visit from Lester himself. Visit www.rallyagainstcancer.org for more details and listen for Jon Lester on the following stations:*

Wednesday, April 1:
7:10 a.m. WFNX 101.7 FM
7:20 a.m. WEEI 850 AM
7:40 a.m. WROR 105.7 FM

Thursday, April 2:
7:00 a.m. WBCN 104.1 FM
7:10 a.m. WODS 103.3 FM
7:20 a.m. WZLX 100.7 FM
7:40 a.m. WBMX 98.5 FM

*Please note that times are subject to change.

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Dana-Farber's Red Sox themed holiday cards, candles and ornaments on sale to help fight cancer

PUBLIC SERVICE ADVERTISEMENT

BOSTON – A festive collection of holiday cards, candles and ornaments -- including many with a Red Sox theme -- is now on sale to support adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. One hundred percent of sales benefit Dana-Farber through its Jimmy Fund.

There are 18 different designs, including artwork of a snowfall at Fenway Park and a snowy game of baseball between snowmen and gingerbread men -- with Santa as the umpire, in the 2008 card collection to wish friends, colleagues and family Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukkah. Some designs were created by Dana-Farber patients. Each box costs $25 and includes 20 cards of the same design and 21 envelopes. Purchase three or more boxes of cards and receive a FREE limited-edition Red Sox Santa Hat! Just enter promo code: HOLIDAY at check out. Offer valid while supplies last.

The 2008 collection also includes three limited edition Aunt Sadie’s candles with specially designed Red Sox and Patriots themed labels, offered in pine, juniper fir and bayberry scents. There are two ornaments for sale; one for Sox fans, the other for Patriots enthusiasts. All of these items are $20 each.

Visit www.jimmyfund.org/holidaygreetings to view the entire 2008 holiday card, candle, ornament, and apparel collection and to make an online purchase. The cards will be sold in Crate & Barrel retail stores throughout Massachusetts and the entire collection will be sold in the Dana-Farber lobby at 44 Binney Street in Boston from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Imprinting of company logos and customized messages are available for inside the cards and on envelopes for an additional fee. Orders will be accepted until January 2009. Delivery takes two to three weeks. Call Monica Zurlinden at 617-582-7724 to place an order.

Founded in 1948, the Jimmy Fund has been an official charity of the Boston Red Sox since 1953. It supports the fight against cancer at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which is a leading cancer research and care center for adults and children. Unrestricted support from the Jimmy Fund is an integral part of Mission Possible: The Dana-Farber Campaign to Conquer Cancer, a $1 billion capital campaign to accelerate cancer research, speed development of life-saving therapies, and expand the Institute's signature patient- and family-centered care.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org) is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.

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Cheer on the Red Sox while supporting the Jimmy Fund

BOSTON – The baseball playoffs are here! Support the Red Sox and one of its favorite charities since 1953 - the Jimmy Fund. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute holiday card, candle, ornament and apparel collection is now on sale to benefit adult and pediatric cancer care and research through the Jimmy Fund.

Highlights include holiday cards sporting a snowfall at Fenway Park. Each box costs $25 and includes 20 cards and 21 envelopes. Also available are Aunt Sadie’s Green Monster juniper fir scented candles, a gold-plated ornament of the exterior of Fenway Park, and a Ho! Ho! Home Run! Red Sox Santa baseball cap. All of these items are $20 each.

Visit www.jimmyfund.org/holidaygreetings to view the entire collection and to make a purchase online. The cards will also be sold in Crate & Barrel retail stores in Massachusetts and in the Dana-Farber lobby at 44 Binney Street, Boston.

Imprinting of company logos and customized messages are available for inside the cards and on envelopes for an additional fee. Delivery takes three to four weeks. Call Monica Zurlinden at 617-582-7724 to place an order.

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