In Photos: Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon & other MLB superstars rally for a cause at David Ortiz's weekend fundraiser
Over last weekend, Hall of Famer David Ortiz's foundation, the "David Ortiz Children's Fund," organized numerous events. To show their support were numerous big names, such as New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter, former catcher Jorge Posada, along with former Boston Red Sox players Johnny Damon and Pedro Martinez.
On Sunday, Damon took to Instagram to share a series of snaps from the fundraiser, giving fans a sneak peek into the fun-filled "Weekend with Papi."
The David Ortiz Children's Fund is a non-profit that helps needy children in the Dominican Republic and New England regions. The organization works in tandem with leading healthcare and educational institutes, helping underprivileged children get access to education and medical care.
The inspiration to set up such an organization came in 2005 when David Ortiz visited CEDIMAT Hospital in his home country, the Dominican Republic. Meeting young children who were close in age to his own son, who was two years old at the time, going through various life-saving procedures, Ortiz was overcome with emotion and vowed to do whatever he could to help kids in similar positions have better lives.
David Ortiz's fundraiser raises over $1.7 million, vows to continue making a positive impact
When Ortiz and his charity decided to organize "Weekend with Papi," the goal was clear: raise as much money as possible to aid children in need of urgent medical care. According to a post made by the foundation on Sunday, the event was a huge success, raising more than $1.7 million over the weekend.
The foundation thanked its sponsors and numerous other notable athletes and celebrities who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the event. In closing, the foundation promised to keep organizing more such events to continue making a positive impact on the world.