The Red Sox Foundation, the Boston Bruins Foundation, and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation today announced a $75,000 donation to help support Massachusetts Coast Guard service members affected by the partial government shutdown. The Coast Guard is the only branch of the military currently on duty without pay.
The donation, which includes $25,000 from each team charity, is being made to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, an organization offering immediate emergency financial assistance to the Coast Guard.
"It's heartbreaking to see our Coast Guard struggling to make ends meet, relying on food pantry programs and other charitable services to get by," said Red Sox Foundation Chairman Tom Werner. "The government has failed these service members and their families, and we feel a responsibility to do what we can to help fill the void. We hope this donation provides additional aid to the more than 2,000 Coast Guard members in the Commonwealth."
"The Boston Bruins Foundation is proud to partner with the Red Sox Foundation and Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation in supporting the Massachusetts Coast Guard service members and their families whose livelihoods are impacted by the ongoing government shutdown," said Boston Bruins Foundation Founder and Chairman Charlie Jacobs. "Considering how important of a role Massachusetts Coast Guard members play here in the Commonwealth, we hope that this donation can provide some relief during what must be a very difficult time."
"The service members of the Massachusetts Coast Guard dedicate their lives to responding when others are in need," said Steve Pagliuca, Boston Celtics Co-Owner and President of the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation. "To provide some support to them and their families at this time is the least we can do."
About the Red Sox Foundation
The official team charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox Foundation has donated to over 1,680 organizations since its creation in 2002, and focused on making a difference in the lives of children, families, Veterans, and communities in need by improving their health, education, and recreational opportunities. Through partnerships with best-in-class organizations in healthcare, the Red Sox have helped raised over $135 million for cancer treatment and research for The Jimmy Fund, supported more than 15,000 Veterans and their families suffering from the "invisible wounds of war" with the Home Base Program, and helped the Dimock Center serve over 17,000 patients annually with health and human services. The Foundation's self-run education and youth baseball programs have helped 274 Boston Public Schools students with college scholarships, and promotes healthy choices and valuable life skills to more than 700 urban youth annually through its RBI baseball and softball program. 
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Red Sox Foundation raises funds through special events, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Founded and initially funded by Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry, Chairman Tom Werner, President/CEO Emeritus Larry Lucchino and their partners, the Red Sox Foundation has won numerous awards for the impact of its innovative programs. In 2010, the Foundation's Red Sox Scholars program was recognized by Major League Baseball with the first-ever "MLB Commissioner's Award for Philanthropic Excellence." In 2009, the Red Sox Foundation was honored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Sports Philanthropy Project with the Patterson Award as the nation's "Best Team Charity in Sports." For more information about the foundation, visit redsoxfoundation.org.
About the Boston Bruins Foundation
The Boston Bruins Foundation is a non-profit that collaborates with charitable organizations that demonstrate a commitment to health and wellness, education and athletics. The Foundation strongly believes that advocating for children and families across these areas will create a strong support system that will ultimately lead to the betterment of our community.
About the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation
The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation benefits our community directly through programs that provide education and support to children in need. The Foundation currently serves over 2,000 non-profit organizations annually and partners with Berklee City Music Network, Boch Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Horizons for Homeless Children, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), Perkins School for the Blind, Positive Coaching Alliance and The3PointFoundation. For more information on the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, visit www.celtics.com/foundation.