Tonight's Phillies Phestival was a grand slam for ALS patients in the Delaware Valley.
A total of $718,689 was raised at this evening's Phillies Phestival, the annual autograph and auction party to help strike out ALS - the devastating, always-fatal, progressive neuromuscular disorder.
Thousands of fans attended the charity event at Citizens Bank Park, with monies raised to provide much-needed patient care and services for ALS patients in the Greater Philadelphia area. Since the Phillies adopted ALS as their primary charity in 1984, $17 million has been raised for the fight against the disease.
"The world has changed a lot in 32 years, but one thing that has not changed is the commitment by the Philadelphia Phillies to Strike Out ALS," said Ellyn Phillips, President of the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter. "As a result of the Phillies efforts these past three decades, people with ALS in our area have greater access to a wide range of services. We are honored to team with the Phillies for this cause because we see the impact that they make not just today, but every single day of the year."
Contributing to the cause was the Grand Slam Sponsor Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP and All-Star Sponsor Comcast SportsNet. In addition, Home Run Sponsors include: The Berman Family, Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, The Ron Krancer Family, Macy's, Richard and Barbara Schiffrin and UFCW Local 1776.
"The Phillies family remains committed to doing whatever we can to put an end to this terrible disease," said David Montgomery, Phillies Chairman. "We are extremely thankful to the countless fans and sponsors, as well as players, day of game employees and front office staff, who have been behind this effort every step of the way."