Tonight's Phillies Phestival Raises $786,146 for ALS Patients
Fans and Phillies family team up once again to strike out ALS at annual autograph & auction party
There is still no cure for ALS, but at tonight's Phillies Phestival, fans and the Phillies family once again teamed up to help fight and defeat this devastating, always-fatal, progressive neuromuscular disorder.
Tonight's Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park garnered a grand total of $786,146. This annual autograph and auction party is held to strike out ALS. The monies raised will provide much-needed patient care and services for ALS patients in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Another amazing feat: since the Phillies adopted ALS as their primary charity in 1984, more than $16 million has been raised for the fight against the disease.
"The Phillies once again proved why they are the best teammates we could possibly ask for in the fight against ALS," said Ellyn Phillips, Greater Philadelphia Chapter President. "Long before the ice bucket challenge brought attention to this disease, everyone at the Phillies organization was leading the way for our ALS families. We are honored to have them as friends and allies for the past 31 years and look forward to our partnership's future."
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: Macy's, BAYADA Home Health Care, UFCW Local 1776, Richard and Barbara Schiffrin, Daniel and Andrew Berman, and the Ron Krancer Family.
"The Phillies family remains committed to doing whatever we can for patients afflicted with 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."
ABOUT THE PHILLIES PHESTIVAL
Thousands of fans joined the Phillies family at tonight's event at Citizens Bank Park.
The 2015 Phillies players and coaching staff, as well as the broadcast crew, the players' and coaches' wives and the Phillies front office and day of game employees, 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 meet and greet with the players
The event featured 22 autograph stations, a photo booth with 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.
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 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. Last year alone, approximately $2 million in grants were awarded to dozens of deserving charitable organizations.
In addition, the 3rd annual Phillies Charities, Inc. Phantastic Auction held recently on phillies.com in partnership with SportsRadio 94WIP and Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, gave fans the chance to bid on 50 once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Hall of Famers and All-Stars, as well as exclusive trips, memorabilia and many other Phillies opportunities. Nearly $105,000 for charity was raised, with a portion of the proceeds going toward tonight's Phestival total.