December at Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) was a month full of inspiring stories, actionable initiatives, and moments that brought smiles to everyone involved. Here’s a look back at what our December was like.
We kicked off the month by sharing the heartwarming story of Justin, a nine-year-old baseball enthusiast who overcame hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Despite his medical condition, Justin’s love for the game remained unwavering, and his journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Mid-December saw the exciting conclusion of our 3rd Annual Charity Online Auction, with participants bidding on an array of unique experiences and collectibles. The event, which directly supports our mission, was a fantastic success and we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who took part.
On National Regifting Day, we encouraged everyone to let their old baseball and softball gear play a second innings by donating it to those in need. This initiative is integral to helping PIFBS get more children onto the playing field.
A highlight of our month was the valuable assistance from our friends at Citizens Bank who volunteered their time for our end-of-year inventory counts. Their unwavering support has helped us prepare for the upcoming 2024 Spring season.
We ended the year on a high note, reflecting on our accomplishments over the fall season. With over $655,000 worth of equipment donated, we’ve helped over 43,000 kids play ball. This achievement, made possible by the generosity of our donors, truly signifies what we stand for.
As we bid adieu to 2023, our staff shared some of their favorite moments. Meredith Kim, CEO, fondly recalled partnering with Aleshia Ocasio, Wilson Sporting Goods, Evoshield, and Major League Baseball to host a skills day for young softball players.
For Warehouse & Inventory Manager, Tony DelGrosso, an unforgettable highlight was his trip to Puerto Rico, where he relished the passion people there have for the sport. Lauren Nagata, Program & Office Coordinator, cited the joyous interaction with donors, grantees, partners, and vendors at our Open House Event as her personal highlight. Looking back, December was a month that encapsulated what PIFBS is all about – spreading love for the game, making a positive impact, and building a community that cherishes baseball and softball. Here’s to more such moments in the new year!