Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt and his wife, Jessica, are excited to bring back their community-based charitable initiative Bassitts Pitch In, in support of the RBI Summer Edition program at Jays Care Foundation.

Following last night’s win, Bassitts Pitch In has already begun raising funds as the Bassitts will once again donate $10,000 (USD) each game the Blue Jays win when Chris pitches this season.

In its inaugural season last year, Bassitts Pitch In raised a total of $279,818 (CAD) for RBI Summer Edition, with the Bassitts generously donating $265,668 CAD ($200,000 USD). The additional funds were raised through donations by 106 Blue Jays fans, with thanks to Chris and Jessica’s leadership.

RBI Summer Edition is a free sport-for-development program designed as a complement to summer school to enhance the mental and physical health of kids in under-resourced communities across Toronto. This season, the program is expanding by 40% with more than 2,800 students at 14 schools across the Greater Toronto Area participating in the program. RBI Summer Edition features inclusive baseball training, cooperative games, arts and crafts, field trips, special events, and team building. Jays Care is also hiring and training more than 700 youth staff from the community to help lead the program. Full program details are available here.

“Seeing the kids in action last summer and the way in which they embraced sports and felt a sense of belonging and pride was truly inspiring. We have always believed strongly in giving back and helping make a difference in the lives of others, and as we continue to grow our family in Toronto, helping kids through sport is the perfect connection. Jays Care does incredible work, and we are so honoured to be part of it.” – Chris and Jessica Bassitt, Toronto Blue Jays

“We are extremely grateful to the Bassitt family for their continued support. The outstanding impact the RBI program had on the lives of kids in our community last summer wouldn’t have been possible without Chris and Jessica’s generosity. Their commitment allows us to expand the program to thousands of young people living in under-resourced communities across Toronto where they will have a safe and inclusive space to get active, gain valuable skills, and find a sense of belonging among their peers.” – Robert Witchel, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation

Blue Jays fans are invited to ‘pitch in’ with the Bassitt family and help make a positive impact in the lives of kids across Toronto. Fans can show their support by donating at bluejays.com/bassittspitchin.