Anthony Rizzo
By: Sharon Aron Baron
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo will go to bat for his high school alma mater, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, to help raise money for new stadium lighting.
Last year, the high school located in his hometown of Parkland, honored him with an award during his annual Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation Walk-Off for Cancer charity 5K. Rizzo, known for his community efforts, jumped at the opportunity to help his school when heard the difficulties student athletes are facing due to inadequate lighting around the baseball and softball fields.
Baseball games at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School cannot be played in the evening due to lighting restrictions in the ballpark, which makes it difficult to schedule games with other local teams and play full-length games.
“When I heard the team needed stadium lights to help improve safety and play for the students, I immediately offered my help,” said Rizzo.
The school is looking to install a new state-of-the-art lighting system at the newly named Anthony Rizzo Field that will improve the safety and experience for athletes and spectators. Rizzo’s personal donation of $150,000 will cover half of the cost, however, the school is hosting a fundraiser asking the community for help in funding this project. The 21+ fundraiser will be a fun evening filled with food, drinks, entertainment and a Q-&-A with Rizzo called “A Night Under the Lights with Anthony Rizzo” fundraiser held on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
Rizzo, a World Series Champion and three-time MLB All-Star, started his baseball career at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, when he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He was a top prospect coming out of high school and now considered one of the top baseball players in the league.
“I owe the first start of my career to those who taught me the fundamental baseball skills I needed to become the player I am today. Without the help of my coaches, I don’t know if I would have had this much success,” said Anthony Rizzo. “I am grateful for the support and encouragement they gave me when I needed it the most.”
The January 25th, 2018 VIP reception will be held from 6-7 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. The 21 and older event will include open bar and dinner stations, Q & A with Anthony, silent and live auctions, dancing and more.
Tickets and sponsor packages are on sale now. Tickets Here.
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