{"id":9288,"date":"2013-02-18T11:29:21","date_gmt":"2013-02-18T16:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mcreativepr.com\/?p=9288"},"modified":"2013-02-18T11:29:21","modified_gmt":"2013-02-18T16:29:21","slug":"red-sox-kick-off-week-of-community-service-activities-in-southwest-florida-with-free-public-open-house-at-jetblue-park-third-annual-week-of-giving-back-to-communities-in-southwest-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mcreativepr.com\/2013\/02\/18\/red-sox-kick-off-week-of-community-service-activities-in-southwest-florida-with-free-public-open-house-at-jetblue-park-third-annual-week-of-giving-back-to-communities-in-southwest-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Sox kick-off week of community service activities in Southwest Florida with free Public Open House at JetBlue Park; Third annual week of giving back to communities in Southwest Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

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FORT MYERS, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2013) \u2013\u00a0The Boston Red Sox<\/a> kicked off their third annual weeklong series of events and activities with a free public open house at JetBlue Park<\/a> at Fenway South on Sunday, Feb. 17.<\/p>\n

More than 5,000 residents, visitors and fans attended the open house that featured a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees had an opportunity to walk freely around JetBlue Park and enjoy player autographs, discounted concessions and entertainment on Fenway South Drive \u2013 a street festival reminiscent of Yawkey Way in Boston. Much like at Fenway Park in Boston, the street had entertainment including face painting, magicians, a petting zoo, stilt walkers, a bounce house, obstacle course, other games for children and arts and crafts courtesy of the Alliance for the Arts helping children turn recycled Red Sox materials into works of art. As well, to help support Florida\u2019s Blood Center, a blood drive took place during the open house for those who are able to make a blood donation.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor many years we have supported various fundraisers in Southwest Florida and two years we began adding additional activities to highlight the good work of organizations in Lee County that, every day, are serving people here who are most in need,\u201d said Katie Haas, senior director of Florida business operations. \u201cThis year we look forward to branching out even further into the community to celebrate the second year of JetBlue Park and Fenway South and spend time helping even more of our community neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Red Sox will continue the week of community service with uniformed personnel and front office staff volunteering at nonprofits across Southwest Florida; and two longtime fundraising efforts that will help children in need throughout Southwest Florida.<\/p>\n

Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Wednesday, Feb. 20, Red Sox uniformed personnel and front office staff will spend the afternoons volunteering at Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, CCMI\u2019s Backpack Program at Treeline Elementary and the Harry Chapin Food Bank.<\/p>\n

The Red Sox Week of Community Service calendar also includes two long-time Red Sox charitable events – the 8th annual Evening with the Red Sox benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County on Monday, Feb. 18th<\/sup> at JetBlue Park and the 20th annual Boston Red Sox Children\u2019s Hospital Celebrity Classic golf tournament benefiting the Golisano Children\u2019s Hospital of Southwest Florida on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Forest Country Club in South Fort Myers.<\/p>\n

2013 RED SOX WEEK OF COMMUNITY SERVICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, Feb. 18 \u2013 8th Annual Evening with the Red Sox benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County<\/span><\/strong>
\nFor the 8th consecutive year, the Boston Red Sox will host Evening with the Red Sox benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County to be held at JetBlue Park from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The evening will include an opportunity for autographs with Red Sox players, live and silent auctions featuring Red Sox memorabilia, regular season game packages, vacation packages and local golf and restaurant experiences. Red Sox Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Sam Kennedy will serve as the evening\u2019s guest speaker.<\/p>\n