March 31, 2023 – The 30th Annual Red Sox Celebrity Classic series in February and March stepped up to the plate, raising $378,000 for pediatric neurosurgery at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.
“The Boston Red Sox are very happy to be a part of the Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Jay Fandel, senior manager, Florida Ballpark Operations for the Red Sox Foundation. “It’s great to know that we have had this partnership for the last 30 years, and hopefully we can continue to support the community for many years to come.”
Events included the Boston “Tee” Party and the Golf Tournament, both held in February and hosted at The Forest Country Club, and Dinner on the Diamond in March at JetBlue Park.
“When you think about all that has been accomplished for children because of this partnership between Lee Health, the Red Sox and The Forest Country Club, it’s very moving,” said Matt Gaudet, general manager and COO of The Forest Country Club. “Children who were served at the hospital during the first events are now in their 30s. We’re so grateful to be part of these event series each year. It means a lot to us to be able to give back to the community.”
The Boston Red Sox, who have held spring training in Fort Myers since 1993, have been holding events to support Golisano Children’s Hospital for 30 years. This year, support for this event series will help bring enhanced neurosurgical services to Golisano Children’s Hospital, lay the foundation for a pediatric trauma center and ensure families can stay close to home for lifesaving care. In 30 years, the event series has raised more than $15 million for children’s health care.
“For the last 30 years, Lee Health has been honored to hold the Boston Red Sox Celebrity Classic event series at The Forest Country Club in Fort Myers, one of the longest-running events of its kind in our community,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and CEO if Lee Health. “The series has raised funds for many programs and services, including the expansion of Golisano Children’s Hospital, pediatric cancer, neonatal intensive care, pediatric mental health, pediatric neurosurgery and more. Across the board, the partnership has been a huge part in helping us serve the growing community needs and provide access to the highest quality healthcare close to home.”
Supporters can still donate to the pediatric neurosurgery fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital at leehealthfoundation.org/neurosurgery. Thanks to a $1 million matching grant by The Wasie Foundation, these donations will have double the impact.
About Golisano Children’s Hospital
Established by Lee Health in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three times by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital 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. Since 2019, Golisano Children’s Hospital has been a proud member hospital of the Children’s Miracle Network. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
