CHICAGO -- The Cubs' Kyle Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo were both active this weekend with their respective foundations.
Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes made its first donations on Saturday in Chicago, distributing $25,000 to each of three organizations. The money raised through Schwarber's efforts, including his first block party, went to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation; the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher House, which helps families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA centers; and Ignite the Spirit, a Chicago Fire Department charity.
• Cubs in the community
Schwarber posted photos on Twitter and said: "Today was a great first step in the Neighborhood Heroes program. Made our first 3 donations today! It was a true pleasure to donate to these charities! It wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for the very generous people who helped along the way! Thank you all! #NeighborhoodHeroes"
On Sunday in his hometown of Parkland, Fla., Rizzo hosted his sixth annual Walk-Off for Cancer, a 5-kilometer walk and was joined by his Cubs teammates Jonathan Jay and Rene Rivera. This year's walk raised $960,000, and will go toward the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation's mission to raise money for cancer research and provide support to children and their families battling the disease.
Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky presented Rizzo with the first Mayor's Medal of Charitable Service at Sunday's event. The medal was created to honor Parkland residents or those whose deeds have heavily impacted residents.
"Anthony's unwavering commitment to the cause of fighting cancer and the manner in which he conducts himself are truly charitable," Hunschofsky said. "We are so proud of him and so grateful he chooses to keep coming back to Parkland and giving back."
This year, Rizzo's humanitarian efforts were recognized when he was named the recipient of both the Roberto Clemente Award and also the Major League Players Association's Marvin Miller Man of the Year. In August, Rizzo's foundation made a $3.5 million donation to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, and in September, it pledged another $650,000 to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Health System.