The Red Sox [team stats] are MVPs where it really counts: Most Valuable Philanthropists.
The Red Sox Foundation, the charity arm of the team, has invested more than $50 million in all areas, from medical research to education and community service, and is the largest team charity in the major leagues.
“The mission is to harness the passion that New England fans have,” said Meg Vaillancourt, executive director of the foundation.
Players, managers and the owners are all involved in raising funds and awareness, but many of the wives also play a pivotal role, and said the philanthropy gives them purpose.
Here are their stories:
Stacey Lucchino
Lucchino has dedicated most of her time to education and mental health — both causes close to her heart.
“I do stuff related to my passion,” said Lucchino, who was a single mom before she married the Sox president and who serves on the board of the YMCA of Greater Boston and PEAR, the Program in Education, Afterschool and Resiliency at Harvard University and McLean Hospital. Lucchino, who also supports the Pan-Mass Challenge and Canine Companions, said her unique gift is bringing different nonprofits together while the baseball organization brings the magic.
“You think everyone wants a check from the Red Sox, and there’s an emotional check you can write by putting entities together,” she said.
Kelli Pedroia
The 28-year-old wife of the Red Sox second baseman said she doesn’t feel obligated to support team-related charities. Instead, she relishes the opportunity.
“The way the Red Sox present it, you want to be involved,” she said. “Who doesn’t want to scoop ice cream at the Scooper Bowl?”
Pedroia’s support of the Jimmy Fund ice cream event is only a small indicator of her altruistic efforts. She has participated in the Jimmy Fund Walk and its telethon, volunteered at Children’s Hospital and served meals at Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence. For the past two years, she’s also participated in the 9-mile Run to Home Base (which takes place on May 18 this year), which benefits veterans who have post-traumatic stress syndrome or brain injuries.
Lindsay Buchholz
The 28-year-old Buchholz believes being a Sox wife comes with public responsibility.
“We’re so fortunate our husbands are in these positions and what better way to show our gratitude to the fans,” she said.