FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2021
CONTACT:
Cherrelle Norris
617.455.7212
cherrelle.norris@bostonabcd.org
Taking place at the legendary Fenway Park, Field of Dreams proceeds will benefit ABCD’s summer jobs program that provides low-income teens with paid work and career guidance
(BOSTON, MA) — Thanks to the generosity of the Boston Red Sox, ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development) will once again hosts its iconic summertime fundraiser, Field of Dreams, at Fenway Park to benefit Greater Boston’s underserved, low-income youth through the ABCD SummerWorks program.
The event, which was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will take place on Wednesday, June 16th. There are limited spots but teams are still being accepted. Corporate teams are encouraged to sign up today to secure a spot and play at the legendary home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park.
A dozen teams from Boston’s leading businesses play ball on Boston’s historic diamond. They’ll fulfill just about every sports fanatic’s dream to hit, run and field at Fenway Park! (See what it’s all about.)
The benefit softball tournament, which raised more than $220,000 in 2019 and over $5 million in the past two decades for the ABCD SummerWorks program, will mean that much more this year as teams are able to come together and socialize after a year of being apart. This softball tournament won’t only benefit Boston youth by helping ABCD SummerWorks provide them with summer jobs; it will benefit everybody who participates with the chance to come together for the first time in a year and help a good cause.
ABCD is excited to have Lew Eisenberg, partner at Cosgrove, Eisenberg & Kiley, P.C., as the event chair again. He has chaired and co-chaired the event since the first ABCD Field of Dreams 22 years ago.
“SummerWorks really makes a difference for the youth that participate in the program. Not only do they get to make extra money and contribute to the income in their household, they also get to learn skills they can use throughout their lives and future careers,” said John J. Drew ABCD President/CEO. “It’s a great, great program that benefits from the support of our corporate partners who participate each year. We get thousands of applicants every year for SummerWorks and we work hard to provide jobs for many of them. The more funding we have, the more youth we can help. This is why the money raised from Field of Dreams is important.
Field of Dreams presents an once-in-a-lifetime Fenway Park experience. As sponsor teams take the field, each player’s face will be beamed on the Jumbotron as their names are announced over the PA system – just like a real MLB player! They’ll have a chance to throw, catch, bat, run the bases, and score at Fenway Park. When they’re not on the field, they’ll hang out like their Major League Baseball heroes in the official Fenway dugouts.
Corporate teams pay an entrance fee to participate and players are permitted to invite guests to watch the games at Fenway. Mass General Brigham, who has participated in the event every year since its inception 22 years ago, is back again this summer.
A variety of off-field activities, free baseball pictures and a photo booth are all part of the day’s events. Also, the Boston Red Sox mascot, Wally will be there adding more excitement to the day.
ABCD SummerWorks provides seven weeks of full-time employment and a broad range of job readiness skills for low-income youth ages 14-21 in Boston. Youth spend 120 hours providing valuable services to local nonprofit organizations, and are provided 20 hours of individualized job readiness education. Youth also receive the supportive mentorship and guidance of a youth services specialist to navigate the ins and outs of their first supervisory work relationship.
To learn more about ABCD Field of Dreams, how you or your organization can sign up for a future sponsored event, or to donate, contact Elizabeth McCarthy, ABCD Events Manager, atelizabeth.mccarthy@bostonabcd.org or call 617.620.6949.
