Photo Credit: Pedro Martinez
Former Red Sox ace wants you to join him at his Pedro Martinez Foundation Gala being held on November 2. The eight-time MLB All-Star and World Series Champion is hosting his third annual swanky soiree at the Mandarin Oriental to support the children and families served by his foundation in the Dominican Republic and the United States. Right now, the foundation is working with the Dominican government to build a flagship charter school that will provide comprehensive and advanced education for more than 1,600 children.
Last year, the three-time Cy Young award winner and MLB Network and TBS analyst was joined by his wife, Carolina, along with some of the biggest names in Boston sports and baseball (think David Ortiz, Jason Varitek, Carlos Martinez, Orlando Cabrera and Vlad Guerrero) along with top local chefs. This year’s gala will also feature a silent auction in support of the Pedro Martinez Foundation. (The charity has already positively impacted more than 10,000 children and families, including awarding over 4,800 grants and scholarships for teenagers, young adults, and parents to go to college or go to school for a technical trade).
Photo Credit: Pedro MartinezAt last year’s Gala, The Foundation announced the intention to build a charter school in the Dominican Republic to expand ongoing efforts for children who need help the most. We hear that you’ve recently broken ground and construction has already begun. Can you tell us a little more about that initiative?
Yes, we are so excited that we have broken ground on building the charter school! This school will provide an extensive education for more than 1,600 children and youth and will include elementary, middle school and high school. We plan on having a state-of-the-art baseball field, sports facilities, computer lab, multipurpose room and much more, so we have a long way to go and still need a considerable amount of donations.
Who can we expect to see at this year’s gala?
As the postseason is developing, we are still waiting on players’ confirmations but you can expect to see Jason Varitek, Vlad Guerrero, Corey Kluber, Luis Severino, Carlos Martinez, Marcel Ozuna, Danny Salazar, and many others.
Photo Credit: Pedro Martinez
How much money do you hope to raise?
Last year we raised almost $200,000 and we expect to exceed this amount at this year’s Gala.
Through your Foundation, you have been able to help at-risk youth with so many things, including education, sports, the arts and even nutrition. What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of being able to commit year after year with the promise I made to God of providing for youth in poverty the opportunities I did not have.
Photo Credit: Pedro Martinez Foundation
What are some of your go-to favorite restaurants in Boston?
Brasserie Jo, which I’m extremely sad for closing its doors. I love Abe & Louie’s, Strega, Morton’s and I love food from Chinatown!
Thoughts on this year’s Red Sox team?
We definitely have a chance to go all the way, but we need to improve our bullpen. Offense, pitching and everything else is in place.
Photo Credit: Pedro Martinez
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