Cristo Rey Kansas City High School is thrilled to announce the award of a $5,000 grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF). The fund, started in 1999, is a joint initiative of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. These grants promote the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball and have totaled more than $24 million to organizations in the U.S. and around the world. The grant award will be used to purchase much needed new equipment for Cristo Rey’s high school baseball program.
It was an exciting moment prior to the Sept. 16th game when Royals’ pitcher, Luis Mendoza, and shortstop, Alcides Escobar, on behalf of BTF, presented the $5,000 check to Cristo Rey’s athletic director, JaJuan Turner, and baseball players, Ronnie Simons III, and Todd Garcia, Jr. It was all smiles on the field with Mendoza and Escobar, ambassadors for the Baseball Tomorrow Fund.
Additionally, Cristo Rey is the grateful recipient of the Royals/BTF annual Baseball Equipment Day collection. Fans were invited to donate new or gently-used baseball equipment outside the Diamond Club at Kauffman Stadium and the collection of equipment was hosted by the wives of Escobar and Mendoza, with help from Cristo Rey volunteers.
Fans were also encouraged to make cash donations in exchange for autographed photo cards and baseballs.
It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that the entire Cristo Rey school community says, “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, Kansas City Royals and Baseball Tomorrow Fund!” Your generosity is truly making a positive difference in the lives of Kansas City’s youth!
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