Earlier this evening, the Phillies hosted an emotional tribute to honor those affected by ALS during the team’s Second Annual Lou Gehrig Night, which took place before the 7:05 p.m. game against the Los Angeles Angels at Citizens Bank Park. The event kicked off a ballpark-wide effort to raise awareness and funds to help those affected by this always-fatal disease.
As a result, more than $344,000 was raised to benefit the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, which will be used for much-needed research, care and services for ALS patients. Since the Phillies efforts to #StrikeOutALS began in 1984, more than $20 million has been raised for the cause.
Among the ALS patients recognized on-field was retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Chuck Schretzman. A north Philadelphia native, Schretzman played football for the United States Military Academy at West Point where he was MVP of the 1988 Army-Navy game. He also served 26 years in the military with four combat deployments.
“I have been living with ALS these past seven years and it has been my toughest, most excruciating battle yet. But I owe it to my kids. I owe it to my country. And I owe it to you, Philly, to fight!” said Schretzman. “Look at my fellow ALS warriors. I would go to war with all of them. Please share their stories of the courage and bravery. Spread the word of this horrible disease and be part of this fight!”
“Our hearts go out to Lieutenant Colonel Schretzman and all ALS patients battling this horrible disease,” said Phillies Charities, Inc. President John Weber. “Tonight’s event was very special as we joined our fans and players to show these courageous individuals that they have an entire ballpark behind them in this fight to end ALS for good.”
“We cannot say thank you enough to the entire Phillies organization and their fans for leading the fight against ALS,” said Ellyn Phillips, Board Chair Emeritus with The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter. “Because of the money raised from Lou Gehrig Night and from nearly 40 years of partnering with the Philadelphia Phillies, we can continue to provide vital research and programs for ALS families right here in our area.”
Fundraising efforts on Lou Gehrig Night included an ALS Awareness Phillies Theme Night Ticket, Phillies Grab Bags sponsored by Hatfield Quality Meats, Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 Drawing presented by DraftKings, and an online Phillies Charities Auction. The club also hosted the recent Phantastic Auction, with part of the proceeds benefitting the cause.
Watch a news clip from Fox 29 highlighting Lou Gehrig Day with the Scott Family at: https://www.fox29.com/video/1077451