Massachusetts General Hospital

Over 2000 Runners Cross Home Plate this Sunday

21/May/2010

BOSTON – Millions of Red Sox fans dream of crossing home base at Fenway Park with a crowd cheering them on. On Sunday, May 23rd, thousands of fans, veterans and active duty servicemen and women will know the thrill of running across home plate at America's Most Beloved Ballpark -- while at the same time raising funds to support services for local veterans with combat stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries. The event is expected to raise over $2M in support of the Home Base Program.

Among the dignitaries expected to attend the event at Fenway Park are Chief of Staff of the United States Army General George W. Casey, Jr. and Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray. Several wives and girlfriends of Red Sox players are also running.

"The brave men and women who have served our nation have earned not only our respect, but deserve the best of care when they come home," said Red Sox and Red Sox Foundation chairman Tom Werner. "We are proud to host the Run to Home Base here at Fenway Park, and know the funds and awareness we raise will help our servicemen and women and their families get the care they need and deserve."

The public is invited to attend for free and watch runners enter Fenway Park to finish the race. There are also free family activities and a military appreciation area presented by BAE Systems where volunteers will make small care packages to send to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Nobody gets to home base alone, it takes a team effort of support, and that's exactly what we've seen preparing for the Run to Home Base," says Peter Slavin, MD, President and CEO of Massachusetts General Hospital. "From the fans throughout Red Sox Nation to veterans and active military families participating this Sunday, we have seen an amazing team effort to raise funds and awareness for our veterans."

"Throughout my travels across the Commonwealth, I have had the pleasure to meet and work with so many brave men and women, and their families, who have proudly served our country," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, who also chairs the Governor's Advisory Council on Veterans' Services. "Through this experience, I truly understand that our veterans need support not only from government, but also businesses, non-profits, and their communities. Nearly 30% of service men and women return home with PTSD, depression, or traumatic brain injury, so I applaud the Red Sox Foundation and Mass General for collaborating on this innovative program, as we all continue to work hard on providing support and benefits for our returning service men and women." The Lt. Governor's wife, Tammy, is participating in the race.

About The Run to Home Base presented by New Balance

The Run to Home Base presented by New Balance on Sunday, May 23, 2010 is a unique 9K (5.6 mile) "fun run" through scenic Boston ending with a once-in-a-lifetime finish line of crossing home plate at the oldest and smallest ballpark in the Major Leagues – Fenway Park. Due to field restrictions, participation was limited and each runner was required to raise or make a charitable donation of $1,000 for the Home Base Program. Children can enjoy activities in Fenway Park concourses including face painting, balloon animals and other entertainment, while supporters of all ages are encouraged to stop by the Military Appreciation Area to send a special message to servicemen and women on duty abroad. Veterans and their family members can also visit exhibit booths that will provide more information about services available for veterans as well as information about the Run's sponsors. Staff of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program will also be on hand to provide more information about this new program for veterans that have served in Iraq or Afghanistan and their families. Concession stands will be open throughout the event.

About the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program

The Home Base Program is a new philanthropic partnership between the Red Sox Foundation, the official team charity of the Boston Red Sox, and Mass General Hospital, one of the nation's most renowned teaching hospitals. The program includes clinical care, family support, research, and educational outreach. For information about the Red Sox Foundation and Mass General Hospital Home Base Program, please visit www.homebaseprogram.org.

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance employs more than 4,000 people around the globe, and in 2009 reported worldwide sales of $1.65 billion. For more information please visit www.newbalance.com.

About the Run to Home Base Management

We are grateful to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the City of Boston; the Boston Police, EMS and Transportation departments; Massachusetts State Police; the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation; and the City of Cambridge for their cooperation and support of this unique fundraising event which will help provide much-needed services to local veterans and their families. For more information about the Red Sox Foundation, the award winning team charity, please visit www.redsoxfoundation.org. To learn more about Massachusetts General Hospital, please visit www.massgeneral.org. The race is hosted by the Red Sox Foundation and by Massachusetts General Hospital. Course and race operations consulting is provided by DMSE Inc. Website design and operations for the Run to Home Base is provided by Forte Interactive, Inc.

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Media Contacts: Meg Vaillancourt, Red Sox Foundation, (617) 226-6614
Valerie Wencis, Mass General Hospital, (617) 726-0274