In the News
Andrew Bailey to host bowling fundraiser
Andrew Bailey knows how important it is to give back.
The 2009 American League Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star with the Oakland A’s, Bailey realizes how fortunate he is and wants to put his clebrity status to work for others.
Through his association with The Strike 3 Foundation, the Haddon Heights native will host the inaugural "Bailey Bowl" on Saturday, Jan. 7 at Pinsetter Bar & Bowl in Pennsauken. The night will feature bowling, food, drinks, a silent auction, prizes and celebrity mingling.
All proceeds will go to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in its quest to treat and research pediatric cancer. Go to www.strike3foundation.org for ticket information.
"For me, it’s an opportunity to give back to a community where I grew up and to a hospital that means an awful lot to me and people who have supported me in my life from Day 1 and right up to now," said Bailey, a 2002 Paul VI High School graduate.
"It’s a great reason to get together. It’s a nice night out. You get to mingle with celebrities, other local baseball players, and it’s all for a great cause."
As the director of development for the foundation, Bailey has focused on spreading the word on the impact of the charity and establishing a nationwide presence.
It was founded by former Oakland teammate Craig Breslow (now with the Arizona Diamondbacks) as a charitable agency to heighten awareness, mobilize support and raise funds for childhood cancer research.
Breslow’s motivation is his sister, Lesley, who was diagnosed with pediatric thyroid cancer at 14 years old and is now 33.
Bailey joined the foundation in 2009.
"Every child that I have encountered has inspired me," Bailey said. "The thrill they receive by meeting a Major League Baseball player is trumped by the courage and resilience they show me. My hope is that one day these kids will be able to fulfill their hopes and dreams in the same way that I am currently fulfilling mine."
In its four years, the foundation has raised more than $500,000 through a host of fundraising events. A recent event in Connecticut raised more than $215,000.
"There is nothing that outshines the smiles on the children’s faces when I am able to visit with a group of players on behalf of Strike 3," Bailey said. "Being able to have a positive impact on each child’s life is something that The Strike 3 Foundation will always strive to accomplish."
Bailey, who lives in Connecticut in the offseason, has his hands in every aspect of the event — getting sponsors, selling tickets, collecting items for the auction.
"I just fell in love with the charity. Not that others are bad or that their work is insignificant, but I just fell in love with The Strike 3 Foundation. Everything is done through us. We make all the phone calls, everything. It’s not like we have everyone else do all the work and we just show up.
"Seeing the fruits of your labor does put baseball in perspective."
Mission Statement
The Strike 3 Foundation heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for childhood cancer research.
How you can help
Contact Us
Strike 3 Foundation
PO Box 191
Monroe, CT 06468
(203) 502-0007
Email
Digg
MySpace
Facebook
Delicious
Google
Twitter
Stumble Upon