Annual Event Benefits the David Ortiz Children’s Fund
BOSTON, MA January 14, 2010 – The 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic netted more than $225,000 for the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, providing children in New England and the Dominican Republic with access to the pediatric critical care they need to lead full and productive lives.
The 2nd annual David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic was held December 3-6, 2009 at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, one of the most spectacular resort communities in the world. Guests stayed at the five-star luxury Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa, overlooking the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of the Caribbean Sea. The tournament itself took place at the Jack Nicklaus-design and signature golf course, Punta Espada. MVP sponsors for the 2009 David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic were JetBlue, Reebok, vitaminwater and Sharp Electronics.
“We organize this event every year to raise funds to help children in my home country and in New England get the medical care they need,” said David Ortiz. “It is a tribute to our sponsors that, even in a challenging economic environment, they stood with us to help, offering these children a chance at a healthy, active life.”
The David Ortiz Children’s Fund began as a way for David to help children in his home country. The Fund is proud to partner with Heart Care Dominicana, the International Hospital for Children, and the Massachusetts General Hospital to fulfill its life-saving mission, linking pediatric critical care services to children in need. To date, the Fund has raised over $1.2 million for children in New England and the Dominican Republic and has given life, health, and hope to critically ill children.
“Once again, David and Tiffany Ortiz have made a significant difference in the lives of children in the Dominican Republic,” said Nelva Pelaez of Heart Care Dominicana. “The money they raise is critical to helping children receive the heart surgeries needed to save their lives. We are very grateful for their continued support.”
At the 2009 Golf Classic, David Ortiz was joined by a host of celebrities and MLB players, including Red Sox teammates Clay Buchholz, Jason Varitek, Mike Lowell, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Daniel Bard and Tim Wakefield. Others attending the event included MLB players Alex Rodriguez, Pedro Martinez, Robinson Cano, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Placido Polanco; MLB Network commentator Sean Casey; Red Sox manager Terry Francona, Houston Astros manager Brad Mills; actors Jeffrey Donovan, Rachel Dratch and Sam Page; pop singer Joanna “JoJo” Levesque; and sports legends Bobby Orr, Jim Rice, Luis Tiant, John Havlicek, Andres Galarraga and Alonzo Mourning.
In addition to the star-studded event, funds were raised through an on-line auction which featured a host of one-of-a-kind gifts and experiences, including Tickets for the Red Sox Home Opener against the New York Yankees, the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park, a week’s vacation at a private home on Mustique, a tour of the Callaway Performance Center, a set of custom clubs, and much more.
The 3rd Annual David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic is scheduled for December 2 – 5, 2010. For information about sponsorships or participation in the event, please contact Michele Lasky at [email protected].
About the David Ortiz Children’s Fund
The David Ortiz Children’s Fund (DOCF) is committed to helping children in New England and the Dominican Republic that do not have access to the critical pediatric services they need. The DOCF is proud to partner with Massachusetts General Hospital to fulfill its mission in New England and with Heart Care Dominicana and International Hospital for Children to fulfill its mission in the Dominican Republic. These organizations are committed to healing as many children as possible by providing critical pediatric healthcare. Working together, these organizations are increasing the number of children that will receive lifesaving services. For more information on the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, please visit http://www.davidortizchildrensfund.org/.
