In celebration of the holiday season, the MLB Black ERG (Employee Resource Group) recently volunteered with the PitCCh In Foundation Inc. to host a Holiday Party Caravan. Alongside former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia and his wife, Amber, who started the foundation in 2008, these organizations partnered to host an unforgettable event for youth from inner-city Boys & Girls Clubs.
“Youth development and empowerment is incredibly important,” said Ashley Britt, the co-chair of MLB Black ERG. “They deserve mentors who are dedicated to helping them achieve their fullest potential by encouraging them to analyze their own strengths and build self-esteem. Each year, The PitCCh In Foundation has continued to show this.”
The night was a resounding success, with plenty of fun, food and a popup store for kids to get essential items and other things.
The partnership between the PitCCh In Foundation and MLB Black ERG will, hopefully, continue to grow in 2023. Kaelan Ashford-Jones, the external outreach chair, noted the difference that the PitCCh In Foundation has made.
“The PitCCh In Foundation has continued to set a very strong and positive example for those looking to make an impact on their community through giving back and providing essential resources for deserving families to utilize and enjoy,” he said.
The ERG, which started five years ago, provides resource groups for MLB employees of all backgrounds. The Black ERG focuses on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion practices “by fostering employee dialogue, allyship and community service in order to collectively address issues impacting Black communities internal and external to the organization.”
This annual holiday party for youth ages 5 to 18 from the John E. Grimm III Clubhouse at Madison Square Boys & Girls Club took place at the Nickelodeon Universe in New Jersey. MLB Black ERG helped make this event possible by helping to set up and helping to provide kids with Santa shoppers to help choose gifts for family members. These volunteers were able to give back to so many families during this holiday season and continue to help create more unity and giving throughout all of baseball.
The PitCCh In Foundation’s goal is to utilize education and athletics as tools to help give back to communities like where CC Sabathia grew up. Since then, the foundation has impacted the lives of countless youth from inner cities all across the country. Its three programs – All-Star Baseball Clinic, Youth Backpack Program and Field Renovations — help kids become successful both on and off the field.
“Contributing to the building and empowering of young minds and their self-esteem is very important work,” said Pamela Rivers, the foundation’s community chair. “When empowered, they believe in themselves and their ability to reach their full potential. The PiCCth In Foundation is committed to providing the resources, positive support and meaningful mentoring relationships that enrich the lives of our youth.”
Together, the MLB Black ERG and the Sabathias showed these kids what the holiday spirit is all about — giving back.
Anna Laible, 17, hosts a podcast called Speak Up Sports and writes as a Kid Reporter for Sports Illustrated Kids.
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