Phillies fans raise nearly $1 million in 12 days for ALS & local charities
Thousands rally for ALS patients at tonight's Phillies Phestival; Tonight's event raised $860,731, and over $14.3 million since 1984
Nearly 7,000 fans came out to Citizens Bank Park to help raise a grand total of $860,731 to help strike out ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Since the Phillies adopted ALS as their primary charity in 1984, they have raised over $14.3 million for the fight against the disease, an always-fatal, progressive neuromuscular disorder. This year marks the 24th Phillies Phestival and the 29th anniversary of the partnership between the ALS Association, the Phillies and Phillies Charities, Inc.
"Thousands of fans have once again shown tremendous support for the many patients who suffer from ALS," said Phillies President David Montgomery. "Striking out this terrible disease is a true team effort, and we're extremely grateful that so many are willing to get involved and give back. The monies raised from today's Phillies Phestival will make a significant difference in providing much-needed patient care and services in the Greater Philadelphia area."
Contributing to the cause was Grand Slam Sponsor Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP and All-Star Sponsor Comcast SportsNet. In addition, the following ballpark partners contributed a portion of their proceeds to the night's grand total: ARAMARK, Campo's Deli, Chickie's & Pete's, Coca-Cola, McNally's Schmitter, Planet Hoagie, Season's Pizza, Tony Luke's and Turkey Hill Dairy.
The 2013 Phillies players and coaching staff, as well as the broadcast crew, the players' and coaches' wives and the Phillies front office, were on hand to lend their support. ALS patients and their families were also at the ballpark to enjoy the festivities and take part in a private meet and greet with the players.
The event also featured 21 autograph stations, three photo booths with Cliff Lee, Ben Revere, and Phillies legend Mike Schmidt, a silent auction, and plenty of games and entertainment, including Every Roll's A Winner and Grab Bags filled with a variety of memorabilia.
In addition, the inaugural Phillies Charities' Phantastic Auction, held online May 5-15 and in partnership with SportsRadio 94WIP and TalkRadio 1210 WPHT, featured once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Hall of Famers, Cy Young winners, MVPs and All-Stars as well as unique memorabilia with a total of $129,165.95 raised, with a portion of the proceeds going toward tonight's Phestival total.
Top Silent Auction Items
- Opportunity To Be Honorary Phillies Batboy/girl - $2,000
- Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier Signed Glove Set - $1,550
- 1980 Phillies Team Signed Poster - $1,350
- Trip for Two to Miami for Phillies/Marlins Series (9/23-25) - $1,250
- Roy Halladay 2012 Game-Used Home Alternate Jersey - $1,000
ABOUT PHILLIES CHARITIES, INC.
The Phillies family - from the players, coaches, and their wives, to the alumni, ballgirls and front office staff - takes great pride in giving back to the community. Phillies Charities, Inc., the charitable arm of the Phillies organization, makes gifts to charitable organizations that serve a wide variety of needs, primarily in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, and particularly those serving the Greater Philadelphia area and the communities of its minor league affiliates. Phillies Charities, Inc. raises funds through a variety of activities throughout the year. In 2012, approximately $2 million in grants were awarded to dozens of deserving charitable organizations.