There's no doubt in Boston's mind that Adrian Gonzalez's bat will help the Red Sox this season, but it will also do some good for charity.
Gonzalez and Eastern Bank are teaming up to collaboratively donate $1,000 toward Habitat for Humanity with each home run the slugger hits this season, according to an Eastern Bank press release. As part of his agreement with Eastern Bank, Gonzalez will also participate in personal appearances for the bank and will be featured in charitable promotions and advertisements.
Gonzalez and his wife, Betsy, have been involved in helping several charitable organizations during the slugger's career in San Diego. The couple were committed to giving back to the San Diego community in many different ways, and they look forward to bringing that dedication to Boston.
"Betsy and I very much look forward to being part of Red Sox Nation," Gonzalez said. "That means not only helping the Sox win. It also means partnering with great organizations such as Eastern Bank and giving back to the community in a way that is meaningful and lasting."
Though they moved across the country for Gonzalez to start his career in Boston, Betsy and Adrian will continue working with their favorite charities in San Diego. The couple donated significant time and effort to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Pasqual Academy foster home during Adrian's five years with the Padres.
"In San Diego and now in Boston, Adrian and Betsy Gonzalez have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to raising money for nonprofits, volunteering, and giving back to the community," said Richard E. Holbrook, Eastern Bank's chairman and CEO. "Those actions mesh perfectly with Eastern Bank, where giving back to the communities we serve is a responsibility that we take very seriously."
According to the press release, "Eastern Bank donates 10 percent of its net income to its charitable foundation, which in turn donated $2.5 million to almost 900 nonprofits in 2010."
Once Gonzalez's home run money is raised, it will be divided equally amongst the following affiliates: Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston
Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, North Shore Habitat for Humanity and South Shore Habitat for Humanity.
With the season almost here, Red Sox Nation watches along with Eastern Bank, looking forward to see Gonzalez send a few bombs over the Green Monster.
