The Boston Red Sox, who have held spring training in Fort Myers since 1993, have again partnered with Lee Health Foundation for the 27th annual Boston Red Sox Celebrity Classic event series offering baseball fans the opportunity to meet and mingle with players and personnel.
“The millions of dollars we’ve raised over the years through our partnership with the Boston Red Sox organization have helped treat thousands of sick and injured children right here in Southwest Florida,” said Chris Simoneau, Lee Health’s chief foundation and development officer. “They were a significant supporter during the capital campaign that built Golisano Children’s Hospital. As we expand programs like Kids’ Minds Matter to meet the growing needs of our community and continue our mission to keep kids close to home, we remain incredibly grateful to be able to count on the generous support of the Red Sox each spring.”
Events include:
- The Boston Red Sox “Tee” Party will be held Feb. 17 at the newly renovated The Forest Country Club and includes cocktails, food, entertainment, and silent and live auctions.
- The Celebrity Golf Classic on Feb. 18 at The Forest Country Club will include lunch, on-course beverages, golfing and mingling with celebrities, and skills challenges.
- The Dinner on the Diamond will be held March 19 at JetBlue Park, offering appetizers, drinks, dinner and a meet and greet with select Red Sox players for autographs and discussion.
Proceeds from the three events will support Kids’ Minds Matter, the hospital’s pediatric mental and behavioral healthcare fund. Kids’ Minds Matter advocates for the more than 46,000 Southwest Florida youth who are struggling with mental and behavioral health disorders like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Funds raised helps align community, inpatient and outpatient care, provide proper screening, hire additional mental health professionals, and train physicians, parents, educators and caregivers. Visit KidsMindsMatter.com to learn more.
For more information about the Boston Red Celebrity Classic event series, sponsorship opportunities or event registration, please visit leehealthfoundation.org/events or call 239-214-0687.
About Kids’ Minds Matter
Founded in 2016, Kids’ Minds Matter is a unified movement in Southwest Florida dedicated to advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health services. By developing clinical pathways to screen and treat patients, enhancing public awareness through education, and lobbying for systemic change and sustainable funding, Kids’ Minds Matter aims to align mental health providers, local agencies, the judicial system, law enforcement, schools and faith-based organizations. Kids’ Minds Matter is managed through the Lee Health Foundation. Please visit KidsMindsMatter.com or call 239-214-0921 for more information.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for the past three years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital in Southwest Florida and provides specialized care for kids between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.