National’s Dream Gala: Baseballers in Boutonnieres

America’s favourite pastime is making a difference in American communities.

Baseball caps and catchers mitts morphed into tuxes and boutonnieres this Saturday at Shakespeare Theater Company’s SIdney Harman Hall. The Washington Nationals suited up to ‘Paint the Town Red’ at their annual Dream Gala 2013.

Bryce Harper, player
Bryce Harper

Players, coaches and guests came together to raise money for the Washington National’s Dream Foundation. As they enjoyed a wide variety of appetizers and drinks, attendees participated in a silent auction and bid on National’s paraphernalia. The gala is the charity’s primary fundraiser and has netted more than $3.1 million.

The Dream Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the team and improves the lives of children and families across the Washington Capital Region. Its three cornerstone programs are the Youth Baseball Academy, the Pediatric Diabetes Care Complex and the Neighborhood Initiative.

Marla Lerner Tanenbaum, chairperson of the Foundation, said of the programs, “We are reflecting the needs of DC. We knew that they didn’t just need an academy for kids who excel at baseball/softball, they need an after school enrichment programs that help get kids through school in a positive way. Its more than what you’d regularly expect from a sports team’s charity.”