More than $65 million raised over 20 years for the Jimmy Fund, supporting adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Jimmy Fund, WEEI (WEEI-FM), New England Sports Network (NESN), and the Boston Red Sox are proud to announce that the 20th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon presented by Arbella Insurance raised more than $3.5 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The inspirational two-day event, featuring stories of hope from Dana-Farber patients, doctors, community leaders, and special guests, has raised more than $65 million to strike out cancer since its inception in 2002.
The fundraiser was broadcast live from Fenway Park on Tuesday, August 23, and Wednesday, August 24, from 6 am to midnight. The event included special appearances from Jimmy Fund Captain and Red Sox player Nathan Eovaldi, Red Sox player Xander Bogaerts, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and Head Coach Ime Udoka, Red Sox Manager Alex Cora, Boston Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery, and actors Denis Leary and Bill Burr.
Dana-Farber pediatric and adult patients attended games both nights and took part in special on-field ceremonies, including singing the national anthem, serving as honorary team members for the starting nine, and forming the number 20 in the outfield to honor the milestone anniversary.
Some of the largest gifts supporting the Jimmy Fund included:
- Robert and Karen Hale ($350,000)
- Red Sox Partners Challenge ($252,500)
- Ernie Boch Jr. ($150,000)
- Find Mass Money ($140,093)
- Arbella Insurance ($100,000)
- Terry Brennan's Drive For The Jimmy Fund ($69,075)
- Applebee's ($68,453)
- Lyons Family ($50,000)
- NESN Employee Fundraising + Match ($50,000)
- Rockport Mortgage ($50,000)
- Concepts (20 ETH)
- Boston Bruins Foundation ($25,000)
- Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation ($25,000)
- Old Time Baseball Game ($25,000)
- Shawn Thornton Foundation ($25,000)
- UFC ($25,000)
"We are grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support from Red Sox Nation at the 20th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon presented by Arbella Insurance," said Larry Lucchino, Chairman of the Jimmy Fund, Trustee of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Chairman/Principal Owner of the Worcester Red Sox, and President/CEO Emeritus of the Boston Red Sox. "In the past 20 years, we have now raised more than $65 million for Dana-Farber patients and cancer research. We are truly making an impact in the fight against cancer so that one day no family will have to face this miserable disease."
"The two days of the Radio-Telethon were extremely inspiring and emotional, and are a reminder for all of us about the great work being done by the doctors, nurses, and staff at Dana-Farber," said John Donohue, chairman, president, and CEO of the Arbella Insurance Group and chairman of the Arbella Insurance Foundation. "The stories of resiliency coupled with the generosity and compassion from those supporting the Radio-Telethon shows how many people are touched by cancer in our communities. Arbella is extremely proud to support Dana-Farber in its efforts to treat and help prevent cancer from impacting families."
"This was the 20th anniversary of the Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, and our listeners and sponsors came through like never before," said Mike Thomas, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, Audacy Boston. "To hear the doctors talk about the progress that is being made, the clinical trials that are ongoing and to hear from patients about how Dana-Farber saved their life will forever be in our hearts and minds. There really is nothing like the two days of this fundraiser."
"We are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity from our fans, partners and employees for the 20th year of the Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon," said Sean McGrail, President and CEO of NESN. "Thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and patients who were willing to tell their inspiring stories on our broadcast and we look forward to the day when this terrible disease is finally overcome."
