 Seattle, WA 9/17/2016 One night after hitting a home run to help his team win its eighth straight, Mariners star Nelson Cruz was in West Seattle, going to bat for local students. An all-star list of attendees helped celebrate the launch of his Boomstick23 Foundation at The Sanctuary at Admiral. A big reason to launch it here – Cruz’s foundation is supporting Chief Sealth International High School, whose principal Aida Fraser-Hammer and athletic director Ernest Policarpio were at the launch. Fraser-Hammer accepted a check for $10,000 last night and “a promise to provide us with gear for our baseball team,” as she wrote in a message to the CSIHS community this morning, explaining: … It has long been Nelson’s dream to start a foundation to support education. Both his parents were teachers and he often speaks of their strong commitment to education and to ensuring that all students graduate from high school. Nelson has always wanted to take up the charge to support education as a way to honor his parents and to give back to the community. In looking for a school to partner with, Nelson visited our school in the spring, where he met some of our students and learned a lot about our strengths and challenges. … Others from the Mariners organization and extended family were there – including Edgar Martinez, Robinson Cano, Felix Hernandez, Ketel Marte, & Leonys Martin, along with Dave Sims and Rick Rizzs. Cliff Avril from the Seattle Seahawks was also in attendance. The event at The Sanctuary also included a silent auction – with memorabilia like this: Donors/supporters on hand included Kirk Keppler from Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) in Westwood Village, showing the diamond “Boomstick” his business contributed: The night titled Santo Domingo Night, allowed guests to enjoy cigars straight from the Dominican Republic with a Cigar Bar thanks to Tabacalera El Artista. Guests also sipped on drinks provided by Title Sponsor Hennessey. Others in attendance included King County Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Ed Murray. The Boomstick23 Foundation will be established in Las Matas de Santa Cruz municipality, in the Dominican Republic. An education and training center will be created aimed to support young athletically talented youth, facilitating the future educational and professional integration of young people who have developed their athletic talent. The creation of the Education and Training Center will offer training in areas in demand at the local and national level. The foundation’s ultimate goal is to ensure that young people achieve the highest educational level or a professional trade, leading to employment so they can progress in their human development and contribute to society. Also, Boomstick23 Foundation will develop a project in the USA based on the experiences and values acquired through athletics, a program focused on providing young people with positive values, taking participation in sports as a medium to promote healthy development and problem solving. Original article was posted on: westseattleblog.com More photos here. Thank you to our sponsors:       Nelson Cruz of the Seattle Mariners will be hosting his inaugural Boomstick23 Foundation launch on September 15, 2016, starting at 7 pm, at the Sanctuary at Admiral in Seattle, WA. This year's theme, Santo Domingo Night, celebrates Nelson Cruz’s heritage while at the same time giving back to a great cause! The mission of the Boomstick23 Foundation is to empower underprivileged children and youth in the United States and the Dominican Republic, by using sports and education to develop their critical thinking skills and reach their potential in order to become leaders and improve their quality of life. 
We hope that we can count on you to help support our cause. Over the next several days, we will be reaching out to those who know Nelson so you can hear more about what Boomstick23 Foundation is setting out to accomplish. Please feel free to contact us. Who: Nelson Cruz (Seattle Mariners & Founder Boomstick23 Foundation) Robinson Cano (Seattle Mariners) Leonys Martin (Seattle Mariners) Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners) Manny Acta (Seattle Mariners) When: September 15th 2016 Where: Sanctuary at Admiral 2656 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116 COST: Individual Ticket $250 - Includes access to the general cocktail reception and the dinner program Table for 8 people $2,500 (7 available) Includes access to the general cocktail reception and the dinner program with VIP seating. UPDATE: EVENT IS SOLD OUT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Please email [email protected] for additional sponsorship information. Contact: Guille Esquivel Phone: 310-259-4033 Email: [email protected] BOOMSTICK AND FRIENDS: SENATOR ADRIANO ESPAILLAT HONORS NELSON CRUZ, OF THE SEATTLE MARINERS4/18/2016  NEW YORK, NY - The philanthropic work of Major League Baseball player, Nelson Cruz was highlighted in a welcome event, in New York City, which was held at the Parrilla Latina. Cruz’s off the field efforts were recognized throughout the night.
For the past several years, the slugger, native of Las Matas de Santa Cruz, has made it a priority to give back to those who need it most, both in the Dominican Republic and here in the States. In 2015, Cruz became a spokesperson for Aid for Aids and their initiative, “Un Batazo Contra El VIH” (A Hit Againts HIV). Earlier this year, Cruz in conjunction with the MLBPA, donated wheelchairs as well as other orthopedic necessities to his hometown in the Dominican Republic. Yet, his efforts don’t end there, Cruz also held a baseball clinic for youth in the area and with the help of Baseballdonations.com was able to donate baseball equipment to local youth leagues. Several of Cruz’s teammates were on hand at the event, Robinson Cano, Leonys Martin, Joel Peralta, 3rd base coach, Manny Acta, as well as family members and friends. Also in attendance, was Virginia (Vicky) Carballo, from the Major League Baseball Players Association. Jennifer Mercedes, known as La Chica Deportes, served as master of ceremonies for the event. The event titled Boomstick & Friends, served the purpose of its organizers, which was to spread the message of how a model of solidarity and charitable donations can help break a cycle of poverty. The event also served to present the first ever Boomstick Scholarship, which was awarded to Diana Antigua, a student whom represents the ideals and values needed to succeed in life. Cruz expressed, "I always have to thank my parents for teaching me the importance of getting an education, and helping out my community. I would always see them involved in the community, and it is because of them that the idea to create a foundation arose." The event was also attended by Senator Adriano Espaillat, who presented Cruz with a Proclamation from the New York State Senate, for his great contributions to society & the youth. |
Archives
September 2016
Categories |
RSS Feed