home site map contact us

Saturday, May 17, 2008

BLUE Crew - Red Sox

BLUE Crew - Red SoxMLB Umpires Ted Barrett and Lance Barksdale welcome Deirdre, Christine, Joseph, and Javonne to Fenway Park for a game between the Brewers and Red Sox. Deirdre is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange. She works to move children in the Boston area from foster care into loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters like Deirdre throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Wendy's Wonderful Kids

Additional Photos:

BLUE Crew - Red SoxBLUE Crew - Red SoxBLUE Crew - Red Sox

Special thanks to:
  • Sarah Stevenson, Kate Dempsey and the entire Red Sox community relations staff. See how the Red Sox are making a difference in the Boston and surrounding communities. Red Sox Community Overview

  • Deirdre Madden of the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange for helping provide an enjoyable experience at the ballpark and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the Boston area.
  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, May 04, 2008

BLUE Crew - Rockies

BLUE Crew - RockiesMLB Umpires Marvin Hudson and Bob Davidson welcome Kristi, Jill, Troy, Dominick, Josh, Jasmine, Ian, and Dontae to Coors Field for a game between the Dodgers and Rockies. Kristi is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for Adoption Exchange in Aurora, CO. MLB Umpire Bob Davidson administers the oath to Dominick to never yell at the umpires.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters like Kristi throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Wendy's Wonderful Kids

Comments from Kristi:

Thanks to BLUE for Kids, MLB Umpires Marvin Hudson and Bob Davidson invited four children awaiting adoption to a Colorado Rockies baseball game on May 4th. The children, Ian, Jasmine, Josh, and Dominick were accompanied to the game by Kristi Griffith-Jones, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter and Jill M. Lewien, Adoption Recruitment Coordinator with The Adoption Exchange. Prior to the first pitch, the kids were able to meet the umpires, take a tour of the stadium, and pose for pictures on the field. In addition, the children were presented with vouchers for food, signed baseballs, Colorado Rockies caps, and incredible seats behind home plate! The day was beautiful, the Rockies won, and more importantly, these kids has a special day just for them! Thank you BLUE for Kids and Colorado Rockies!

Visit http://www.adoptex.org/ to inquire about Ian, Jasmine, Josh or Dominick!

Additional Photos:

BLUE Crew - RockiesBLUE Crew - RockiesBLUE Crew - Rockies

Special thanks to:

  • Dallas Davis and the entire Rockies community relations staff. The Colorado Rockies operate two charities: the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club Foundation and the Colorado Rockies Charity Fund, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation. Rockies Community Overview

  • Kristi Griffith-Jones of Adoption Exchange for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the Denver area.
  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , ,

BLUE Crew - Yankees

BLUE Crew - YankeesMLB Umpires Wally Bell and Laz Diaz welcome Astrudge, Flora, Kelvis, and Russell to Yankee Stadium for a game between the Mariners and Yankees. Astrudge is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for You Gotta Believe! She works to move children in the New York area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. About the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"Kelvis and I were taken down beneath Yankee Stadium by Dan Weiss of the Yankees community relations group to meet umpires Wally Bell and Laz Diaz. Together, we walked out onto the baseball field. Mr. Bell and Mr. Diaz were very friendly and both have a great sense of humor; they had us laughing frequently while they described their jobs.

For Kelvis, a Yankee fan in his heart and soul, this was a very special day. I have never seen a more enthusiastic fan who predicted, rather accurately, that the Yankee would win.

Please thank the umpires and Mr. Weiss of the Yankees for giving another one of our WWK kids a fun filled time." - Astrudge McLean

Additional Photos:

BLUE Crew - YankeesBLUE Crew - YankeesBLUE Crew - Yankees

Special thanks from the umpires to:

  • Dan Weiss, Yankees Community Relations for taking part in BLUE Crew Tickets. The New York Yankees are committed to promoting and sustaining cordial and cooperative relationships with their neighbors and working with them to enhance the quality of life throughout the surrounding communities. Yankees Community Overview

  • Chaperone Astrudge McLean for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark.

  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, May 03, 2008

BLUE Crew - Cardinals

BLUE Crew - CardinalsMLB Umpire Mike Di Muro welcomes Liz, Amber, Kendall, and Ricky to Busch Stadium for a game between the Cubs and Cardinals. Liz is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis. She works to move children in the St. Louis area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"In one of the photos Fredbird paid us a visit as we were sitting in the waiting room for Jessica to take us back to meet with umpire Mike Di Muro. The kids absolutely loved it and thought his antics were one of the most hilarious things they’ve seen in a long time. Fredbird challenged Ricky to a dance off and when Ricky was a little hesitant to take on the challenge, Fredbird picked him up and dumped him in my lap on the sofa and then snapped a picture of us.

Kendall and Ricky said the best thing about the experience was getting to go out on the field before the game. They were in awe of the atmosphere! Meeting Mike and receiving a signed baseball from him was awesome. He was warm and welcoming and told the boys how he would look for them in the crowd during the game. Mike made us feel like he was lucky to meet us instead of us being lucky to meet him.

We all enjoyed meeting Jessica Illert of the Cardinals too! Jessica was great and had a lot of spunk and enthusiasm about showing us the pre-game ropes. Please pass along our thanks to Jessica and the Cardinals community relations group for helping create an incredible experience for the boys. " - Liz Johnson

Additional Photos:

BLUE Crew - CardinalsBLUE Crew - CardinalsBLUE Crew - CardinalsBLUE Crew - Cardinals

Special thanks from the umpires to:
  • Jessica Illert, St. Louis Cardinals Community Relations for taking part in BLUE Crew Tickets. Learn more about what the Cardinals do for nearby communities. Cardinals Community Overview

  • Chaperones Liz Johnson and Amber Warren for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark.

  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Sunday, April 20, 2008

BLUE Crew - Angels

BLUE Crew - AngelsMLB Umpire Bob Davidson welcomes Kim, Alfredo, Javier, and Arnulfo to Angel Stadium for a game between the Mariners and the Angels. Kim is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for Kinship Center in Los Angeles. She works to move children in the Los Angeles area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"We had a great time! The brothers had never been to a game before so it was very exciting to them. Lindsay McHolm of the Angels introduced us to Bob Davidson who made the day possible. All of the umpires (Bob, Mike Reilly, Alfonzo Marquez, and Andy Fletcher) signed their baseballs and the boys kept pointing the men out on the field while we watched the game. They said they liked baseball before but now LOVED it!!! This was an amazing day for the boys and I loved seeing it through their eyes! Thank you so much for the great day even though the Angels lost :( It meant so much to the kids." - Kim Felder

Additional Photos:

BLUE Crew - AngelsBLUE Crew - AngelsBLUE Crew - AngelsBLUE Crew - Angels

Special Thanks From The Umpires To:
  • Lindsay McHolm, Community Relations Coordinator, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Angels have been active in the community throughout the team's 45-year history. Angels Community Overview

  • Kim Felder of Kinship Center for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the Los Angeles area.

  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , , , ,

BLUE Crew - Reds

BLUE Crew - RedsMLB Umpires Marvin Hudson, Randy Marsh, and Brian Knight welcome LaSonya, Vashti, Charleston, and Lamont to Great American Ballpark for a game between the Brewers and Reds. Michael Michelle Willis is a Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiter for the Hamilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services and helped to arrange for the group to attend the game. Ms. Willis works to move children in the Cincinnati area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Special Thanks From The Umpires To:
  • Matt Crawford and Lorrie Platt, Reds Community Relations. The Cincinnati Reds strive to be winners both on and off the field. Reds Community Overview

  • LaSonya and Vashti of Hamilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark for the boys.

  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, April 19, 2008

BLUE Crew - Astros

BLUE Crew - AstrosMLB Umpire Mark Wegner welcomes Staci, Jessica, Marcus, and Cameron to Minute Maid Park for a game between the Rockies and Astros. Staci and Jessica are Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiters of Spaulding for Children in Houston. They strive to move children in the Houston area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"Dear Mr. Mark Wegner: It was a pleasure meeting with you down on the field. The boys were excited from the moment they heard they were going to have the opportunity to go to a live game. It was great to meet all the wonderful people that made this day possible. Shawn Bertani of the Astros took us on a tour while we were heading down to the field. Marcus had the opportunity to get a baseball that the Rockies had just hit during practice. Mark you asked us to cheer for you in case there was a call that you had to make that the fans did not agree. Trust me when I tell you that behind all the fans uproar we were cheering for you. We were able to capture a picture when the Astro’s coach became heated with the umpire.

Thank you again for giving the children the opportunity to attend this event. This night was the first Astros game that Marcus and Cameron had attended.” - Jessica Trapani

Additional Photos:

BLUE Crew - Astros

Special Thanks From The Umpires To:
  • Shawn Bertani, Astros Director of Community Affairs for meeting our guests at the ballpark. The Houston Astros consider being a part of the community just as important as throwing strikes and hitting home runs. Astros Community Overview

  • Staci Prince and Jessica Trapani of Spaulding for Children for enjoying the game with the kids and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the Houston area.

  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , , , ,

BLUE Crew - Cardinals

BLUE Crew - CardinalsMLB Umpire Sam Holbrook welcomes Connie, Liz, Charles, and Johnetta to Busch Stadium for a game between the Giants and Cardinals. Connie and Liz are Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK) recruiters for Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition in St. Louis. They both work to move children in the St. Louis area from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes.

Wendy’s Wonderful Kids is the direct-service signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that combines the fundraising of Wendy's and its customers, aggressive grants management of the Foundation, and the talent of experienced adoption recruiters throughout the nation and in Canada to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn More about the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program

Guest Comments:

"Mr. Holbrook, the kids loved their experience and being able to see the umpires behind the scenes...all of the umpires and Mark Taylor (Cardinals Community Relations) were very engaging and friendly. Most important, the kids were made to feel very comfortable and special and will be able to keep these memories for a lifetime. Johnetta asked “when can we come back?” and Charles stated that he had a great time and loved having great seats to watch the game. Thank you so much!" - Liz Johnson

Additional Photos:

BLUE Crew - CardinalsBLUE Crew - Cardinals

Special Thanks From The Umpires To:
  • Mark Taylor, St. Louis Cardinals Community Relations for taking part in BLUE Crew Tickets. Learn more about what the Cardinals do for nearby communities. Cardinals Community Overview

  • Connie Doty and Liz Johnson of Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition for helping provide an enjoyable day at the ballpark and for all that you do to find loving homes for children in the St. Louis area.

  • The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) for your dedication toward dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America’s foster care systems waiting to be adopted. Learn More about DTFA

National Assoc of Sports Officials
National Assoc of Sports Officials
MLB Players Alumni
New Era Cap

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Saturday, August 25, 2007

BLUE 2007 - Tampa

MLB Umpires Mark Wegner and Brian Runge invited 4 children and 2 chaperones of Hillsborough Kids, Inc. to Tropicana Field in Tampa on August 25, 2007 for a Big League Umpiring Experience (BLUE). Dakota, Eddie, Randall, and Quasan tried on equipment, watched batting practice from the field, rubbed mud on baseballs, and asked a number of questions about baseball. Even a couple of players stopped by to visit them. The BLUE is an opportunity for kids to learn, laugh, and have fun!

View the event photos on our Flickr page. Click Here for Photos!

EVENT COMMENTS

"Another great experience for these children! Thank you for the opportunity, and many thanks to the Devil Rays and Mark Wegner and Brian Runge for their gift of time and enthusiasm for the project. I know the effort that it takes from all involved, including the incredible Susan Gicking; the smiles and lifetime memories for the children are the undeniable return on the investment of time. " - Rita Soronen, Executive Director, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

"Just wanted to thank you for the opportunity on Saturday! We all had a wonderful time, the kids were just so excited the entire time." - Susan Gicking

SPECIAL THANKS TO

  • Cherie Lewison, Suzanne Murchland, and the entire Devil Rays Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
  • Susan Gicking, Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter, Hillsborough Kids Inc. for all the time and effort in identifying the kids. Also thanks to Krista Linder who, along with Susan, served as a chaperone.

Labels: , , , , ,

Friday, August 24, 2007

BLUE Crew - Philadelphia

MLB Umpires Laz Diaz and Bill Welke welcome Jonathan, Mario, Delores, and Gwendolyn to Citizens Bank Park as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America's foster care systems. Wendy's Wonderful Kids is the signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn more at http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

GUEST COMMENTS

"We had fun and our seats were great! Everyone was so kind. We enjoyed the tour and the umpires because they took time to explain a few things to us. We want to thank BLUE for Kids, Beth Paladino of the Phillies, Ms. Gwen and Ms. Delores for taking us to the game, but especially the umpires for their time. We hope to get another chance to go and this time we know the Phillies will win. Go Phillies!!" - Jonathan and Mario

"We had a wonderful time accompanying Jonathan and Mario, and we enjoyed the game ourselves. We feel the beauty of it all is the "collaborative effort" the agency workers put forth to share this opportunity with Wendy's Wonderful Kids. We salute BLUE for all that they do to enhance the lives of children." - Gwen and Delores

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

  • Beth Paladino and the entire Phillies Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
  • Delores Brown and Gwendolyn Tunnell for taking Jonathan and Mario to the game.
  • Tabor Children's Services, Inc. in Philadelphia and The Dave Thomas Foundation for working with us to provide experiences for children in foster care awaiting adoption.


BLUE Crew - PhiladelphiaBLUE Crew - PhiladelphiaBLUE Crew - Philadelphia

Labels: , , , , ,

Saturday, August 18, 2007

BLUE Crew - New York

MLB Umpires Marvin Hudson and Chris Guccione welcome Anthony, Devon, Astrudge, and John to Yankee Stadium as a part of the BLUE Crew Tickets Program.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America's foster care systems. Wendy's Wonderful Kids is the signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn more at http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

SPECIAL THANKS TO

  • Dan Weiss, Rocky Halsey, and the entire Yankees Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
  • Astrudge McLean and John Dean of You Gotta Believe for serving as chaperones.
  • You Gotta Believe in New York and The Dave Thomas Foundation for working with us to provide experiences for children in foster care awaiting adoption.

Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, July 29, 2007

BLUE Crew - Anaheim

MLB Umpire Marvin Hudson welcomes Laura, Samuel, Max, Kim, and Heather Angel Stadium as a part of the BLUE Crew Tickets Program.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America's foster care systems. Wendy's Wonderful Kids is the signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn more at http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

GUEST COMMENT:

"Laura, Sam, and Max and I had a great time at the Angels game. In anticipation of the meet and greet, Sam committed the name "Marvin Hudson" to memory before we arrived at the stadium. Our group was given the star treatment when we got to go to the field and meet Marvin. Marvin was a pleasure to meet and he was great with the kids. He asked good questions and truly made them feel valued. At the kid's request, Marvin demonstrated how he makes the "safe" and "out" calls. After speaking with Marvin, the kids acknowledged it must be difficult to be an umpire, especially when people are booing. Laura, Sam, and Max decided that Marvin did an excellent job during the game.

When asked what the best part of the day was, Laura, Sam and Max unanimously agreed it was meeting Marvin and getting to go down to the field. All 3 kids were hoping all night to see a home run but were very understanding when it didn't happen, saying "it must be really hard to hit it out of the park." Lindsay, from the Angels, was wonderful and extremely helpful. We are so thankful for the opportunity to attend the game and meet Marvin. This was a memorable event for everyone and I am glad that these siblings got to share this experience. There was a professional photographer on the field and Lindsay said she would send you some pictures.

Thank you once again. We had a wonderful night." - Heather McCollum, Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter at KINSHIP CENTER.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

  • Lindsay McHolm and the entire Angels Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark. Lindsay, you have been an incredible help all season. You truly are a very special person and the Angels are very fortunate to have you.
  • Heather McCollum and Kim Felder of Kinship Center for going above and beyond your professional role and serving as chaperones.
  • Kinship Center in Salinas, California and The Dave Thomas Foundation for working with us to provide experiences for children in foster care awaiting adoption.
  • Marvin Hudson for consistently asking "what else can I do?" to make a difference and for inspiring so many others.

Labels: , , , ,

Monday, July 23, 2007

BLUE Crew - Colorado



MLB Umpires Ted Barrett and Angel Hernandez welcome Sarah, Stacy, Matthew, and Zane to Coors Field as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America's foster care systems. Wendy's Wonderful Kids is the signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn more at http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

Guest Comments
Thank you so much to umpires, Ted Barrett and Angel Hernandez, for making Matt and Zane's first Rockies game of the year truly a night to remember. Matt and Zane were in awe of you guys as you walked over to them and shook their hands. They were excited to receive official major league baseballs from you and they couldn't stop looking at them all night! One of the most memorable parts of the meet and greet was when you guys called over Jake Peavey from the Padres and the boys got to meet him. The seats were fabulous and the Rockies winning the game ended the night on a perfect note! The boys thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. It was such a special night for all of us! - Sarah Hunter

Special Thanks To

  • Dallas Davis (Rockies Community Relations) for assistance at the stadium.
  • Sarah Hunter (Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter) for all that you do every day and for taking the boys to the game.

Labels: , , , , ,

Sunday, July 15, 2007

BLUE Crew - Boston



MLB Umpires Laz Diaz and Wally Bell welcome Ben, Xavier, Heather, and Greg to Fenway Park as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America's foster care systems. Wendy's Wonderful Kids is the signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn more at http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

Event Comments

Heather Guyette

Even though the Red Sox lost yesterday, we had an AMAZING time! The baseball
experience was incredible. I would like to believe that for one day, while
taking in all of the sights and sounds of Fenway Park, Ben and Xavier felt like
two kids enjoying a ball game rather than two kids in foster care. As an agency
as well as a larger community, I strongly believe that we can offer waiting
children in foster care far more normalized experiences and yesterday's trip to
Fenway was just that sort of experience! While I cannot speak for Ben and
Xavier, I'm sure their feedback would be valuable for you as you assess the
experience and your work with the Dave Thomas Foundation.

Kate Dempsey of the Red Sox Community Relations group was welcoming and personable and escorted us directly on to the field where we stood in wonderment. We were greeted by umpire's Laz Diaz and Wally Bell who were warm, friendly, and genuinely invested in making the experience memorable for Ben and Xavier. I think the boys felt even more special when curious onlookers were not permitted to approach the umpires when they met with Ben and Xavier. Ben and Xavier marveled at the souvenirs that they were given by the umpires as well as a bag of Red Sox goodies from Kate. They pointed out their favorite players, prayed for a home run, sampled the concessions and wore their Red Sox gear proudly. The temperature neared 90 degrees and though acknowledging the heat, the boys did
not mutter a single complaint- with the exception of the game loss....They both
snored in the back seat on the way home.

Greg and I feel equally honored to have shared the game experience with Ben and Xavier. We are truly grateful for the invitation and would be delighted to provide any additional feedback that would make the continuation of the baseball experience possible. I believe that BLUE for Kids and The Dave Thomas Foundation have created something truly incredible.

Carolyn LaCaresse

I met with both the boys who went to the Red Sox game on July 15 and thought you would like their feedback. They were both thrilled at having gone down on the field and expressed their pleasure that other fans were looking at them, wondering what made them that important. Xavier stated that his favorite part was the autographed ball. Ben really enjoyed being able to watch a game, but wished David Ortiz had hit a homerun! Both boys said they wouldn't have changed anything about the game and realize that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. So thank you again for providing these deserving boys that chance to enjoy Fenway Park!

Special Thanks To

  • Kate Dempsey and the entire Red Sox Community Relations team for assistance at the ballpark.
  • Heather and Greg Guyette for taking time and being with the boys for this special day.
  • Carolyn LaCaresse, Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter
  • Robin Campbell, Connie Ackert, and Rita Soronen of The Dave Thomas Foundation for working with us to provide experiences for children in foster care awaiting adoption.

Labels: , , , , ,

Saturday, June 09, 2007

BLUE Crew - Los Angeles



MLB Umpires Ted Barrett and Todd Tichenor welcome Kim, Eric, Aaron, and Dominic to Dodger Stadium as a part of BLUE Crew Tickets.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a non-profit public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 140,000 children in North America's foster care systems. Wendy's Wonderful Kids is the signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation to move children from foster care into permanent, loving adoptive homes. Learn more at http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

GUEST COMMENT (Kim Felder)
Thank you for a wonderful evening at the ball park for Eric, Aaron and Dominic. The boys had a great time and the seats were fantastic. They especially enjoyed going behind the scenes to meet the umpires. The look on their faces when we came up onto the field and looked back into the stands was worth a million bucks! Both Eric and Aaron couldn't get over how tall Ted was. They also told and pointed out to all of the people sitting around us in the stands that they meet Ted and he was a "great guy". Thank you so much again for coordinating a wonderful evening for the boys!

THANK YOU! - Keira Hertz (Dodgers Community Relations) and Kim Felder (Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter) for your role in making this a wonderful experience for everyone.

MORE Photos: 2007 BLUE Crew Ticket Photos
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption: http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

Labels: , , , , ,

Saturday, May 17, 2008
BLUE Crew - Red Sox

Thursday, May 15, 2008
BLUE Crew - Phillies

Sunday, May 11, 2008
BLUE Crew - Pirates

Sunday, May 11, 2008
BLUE Crew - Mariners

Sunday, May 04, 2008
BLUE Crew - Marlins

Sunday, May 04, 2008
BLUE Crew - Rockies

Sunday, May 04, 2008
BLUE Crew - Yankees

Saturday, May 03, 2008
BLUE Crew - Cardinals

Saturday, May 03, 2008
BLUE Crew - Nationals

Tuesday, April 29, 2008
MLB UMPIRES LAUNCH 2008 CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL PROGRA...

02/01/2006 - 03/01/2006 03/01/2006 - 04/01/2006 04/01/2006 - 05/01/2006 05/01/2006 - 06/01/2006 06/01/2006 - 07/01/2006 07/01/2006 - 08/01/2006 08/01/2006 - 09/01/2006 10/01/2006 - 11/01/2006 12/01/2006 - 01/01/2007 01/01/2007 - 02/01/2007 02/01/2007 - 03/01/2007 03/01/2007 - 04/01/2007 04/01/2007 - 05/01/2007 05/01/2007 - 06/01/2007 06/01/2007 - 07/01/2007 07/01/2007 - 08/01/2007 08/01/2007 - 09/01/2007 09/01/2007 - 10/01/2007 03/01/2008 - 04/01/2008 04/01/2008 - 05/01/2008 05/01/2008 - 06/01/2008