Red Sox, JetBlue distribute 45,000 Red Sox hats to public schools students
As part of the club's "Calling All Kids" effort to connect baseball to the next generation of fans, the Red Sox and JetBlue today distributed over 45,000 Red Sox baseball hats to Boston Public Schools students and staff in 104 schools throughout the City of Boston.
"When we launched this project with JetBlue last year, we started with the simple idea that every kid in Boston deserves to have a Red Sox hat," said Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy. "The feedback from the school administrators and teachers was so profound, we knew we had to do it again. We hope this gesture helps make students and teachers feel more connected with their hometown team as we get ready for our home opener at Fenway Park."
The hat distribution was launched earlier today when former Red Sox Designated Hitter David Ortiz, Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy, Red Sox Foundation Board Member Linda Henry, JetBlue Regional Marketing Manager Ronda McLeod, and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang joined Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh at the Hurley K-8 School in the South End. The group handed out hats to students and teachers, surprised kids with a visit from Ortiz, and gave the children a chance to take photos with Wally the Green Monster and his sister Tessie.
"The annual Red Sox hat distribution is a tradition that increases accessibility and spreads the spirit we see on the field to our students," said Mayor Walsh "I am excited for the students to have the opportunity to ring in the 2018 season with their new hats and display their hometown pride everywhere they go."
A total of 45,870 hats were delivered to students and teachers at all Kindergarten through 8th grade Boston Public Schools. The city-wide hat donation is part of a commitment by the Red Sox and JetBlue to engage with the Boston community each year for the duration of their partnership through 2030.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Red Sox to bring the excitement of Opening Day to thousands of students in Boston," said JetBlue Regional Marketing Manager Ronda McLeod. "As this is our tenth season with the Red Sox, JetBlue remains committed to not only the team but to the City of Boston and its local communities."