The Oakland A's Community Fund made a lot of dreams come true this past season for many citizens in the Oakland area.
From building a home for a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina to renovating a youth baseball field for youngsters, the A's Community Fund was there to help out and put smiles on a lot of faces.
"Anytime anyone can lend a helping hand to anyone, it's amazing," said former A's infield coach Ron Washington.
The Community Fund supported more than 1,500 charitable organizations through monetary contributions, giving approximately $650,000 to various community programs. Specifically, it funded activities to improve educational programs, aid the underprivileged, assist in crime and drug prevention, promote health awareness, and champion children and senior welfare. It also donated auction items this season in its efforts to support charitable organizations in improving the quality of life for people throughout the Bay Area.
Washington, who lives with his wife Geraldine in New Orleans, La., during the offseason, took part in building a new home for a displaced family and appreciated the importance of the situation.
"I lost my house, and fortunately I still have a job," Washington said. "I know of people that lost their home, family and job. [This project] does boost the morale for some that lost their homes."
The home was the first of a 26-home partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the city of Oakland. The home was part of the Major League Baseball initiative to contribute to the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast.
Former A's star Rickey Henderson was there when the Community Fund, in partnership with the Good Tidings Foundation, fixed up a baseball field in East Oakland.
Former A's outfielder Rickey Henderson throws out the first pitch after the renovation and renaming of Rickey Henderson Baseball Field. (Erik Farrell/A's)
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A's charity puts smiles on many faces
A's charity puts smiles on many faces
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