Red Sox pitcher Adam Ottavino and wife Brette launch 4th annual 'Christmas in July' fundraiser
BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox today announced that the 4th annual “Christmas in July” fundraiser will launch this Monday, July 5, at 10 a.m. and run through Sunday, July 11. This year’s program is being organized by Red Sox pitcher Adam Ottavino and his wife Brette to help raise funds that enable Child Life specialists to purchase new toys and craft items for patients being treated at Boston Children’s Hospital. The Ottavinos will match all donations up to $10,000.
The first 10 people to make a $500 donation online at bostonchildrens.org/christmasinjuly will receive a signed baseball by one of the following Red Sox players: Alex Verdugo, Kiké Hernández, Adam Ottavino, J.D. Martínez, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi, Christian Vázquez or Eduardo Rodríguez.
In addition to making direct donations, fans can bid on one-of-a-kind 3-foot Wally Bobblehead signed by members of the 2021 Red Sox team and coaching staff by visiting redsox.com/christmasinjuly. Fans can also purchase a unique Tunnel Time Christmas ornament by visiting foco.com/BostonChildrensHospital. Fifteen dollars of every $20 ornament purchase will go towards the Christmas in July fundraiser.
Donation are used in the following ways:
- $30: Materials for a Slime Day, a popular tactile activity to keep kids distracted and having fun.
- $50: Five medical play kits to help patients learn about and better understand their hospital experience.
- $100: 10 pacifiers (WubbaNubs) to sooth infants, develop the important sucking reflex, and deliver pain medicine.
- $500: 5 weighted blankets for patients with autism, providing calm and comfort during their hospital stay.
- $1,000: 2 months’ worth of treasure box items for a unit or clinic. These small prizes encourage a smile after a difficult experience.
- $5,000: 10 new iPads to help patients with diversion, relaxation, education, and creative expression.
- $5,000: Activities for patients and families who will spend the holidays in the hospital (unit decorations, themed crafts, Santa visits, and more).
Christmas in July began in 2018 when former Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland and his wife Susannah organized a toy collection at Fenway Park for the Boston Children’s Hospital playroom. This year, the tradition is being carried on by Adam Ottavino and his wife Brette.