Boston athletes chip in for marathon victims
We’ve seen the incredible ceremonies held in the TD Garden and at Fenway Park to honor all those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing, but a few individual athletes have taken the extra step to raise awareness and funds for charity. Here is just a sample of the athletes in Boston who are going the extra mile to help their neighbors in Boston.
Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork has been doing his part to chip in to support his home city. After hearing the news of the bombings at the Boston Marathon, Wilfork tweeted to his fans that from now until the end of the month fans, can donate $10, which will go to those affected by the bombing. To further add to his gift, Wilfork announced that if he receives 1,000 donations or more, the Vince Wilfork Foundation will donate an additional $10,000 to marathon victims.
Wide receiver Danny Amendola has joined Wilfork in his charity pursuits. Shortly after the news of the bombings broke, Amendola promised to donate $100 for every pass he catches and $200 for every dropped pass. Teammate and defensive back Devin McCourty has made a similar promise, claiming he will donate $100 for every tackle and $200 for every interception in the 2013 season.
PGA golfer James Driscoll, a Boston native, started Birdies for Boston, in which he’ll donate $1,000 for every birdie that he makes at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, SC, and at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana.
While many individual athletes are doing their part to help, the Boston Bruins are making it a team effort as they pledge to donate money to the cause. Team owner Jeremy Jacobs has promised to donate $100,000 while the players union and the NHL have pledged to donate $50,000 each.
Bruins left winger Brad Marchand will also raffle off his own TD Garden suite for the team’s first playoff game. All of the proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Richard family of Dorchester who lost their 8-year-old son, Martin, to the bombings. The family released an official photo of Martin for the media to use which features Martin grinning while standing in the lower bowl of the Garden, decked out in a Bruins hat and Bruins jersey.
Check out these athletes’ work in more detail to see how you can donate to support the cause. While this tragedy has shaken the city of Boston, we will keep on and rise up. With the help of ordinary citizens and athletes alike we will be Boston Strong.
