Here's an event you may want to mark on your calendar....

Red Sox Pitcher Josh Beckett is a Champion for Children's

Boston, Mass (October 22, 2009) - Children's Hospital Boston today announced it will present Boston Red Sox Ace Josh Beckett with the 2009 "Champion Award" for pitching in to raise funds for cancer research and his dedication to making a difference in the lives of the patients at Children's. Beckett will receive the award, which is given annually to a Boston athlete for his commitment to the community, at the hospital's Champions for Children's annual dinner and auction November 3 at the Seaport World Trade Center.
 
For the last three years, Beckett has named Children's Hospital Boston the primary beneficiary of his celebrity charity bowling tournament, Beckett Bowl. Since its inception in 2007, the event has raised more than $350,000 for the Oncology Department at Children's Hospital Boston. Beckett regularly visits patients at the hospital and, through his charitable efforts, supports cancer care and research at Children's. In 2008, the hospital unveiled the Josh Beckett Cancer Treatment Room, which features Boston Red Sox imagery including murals of Beckett and his teammates, crowd scenes and the historic Fenway Park sign.

"While it's truly an honor to receive this prestigious award, Children's patients, with their positive attitude, strength and perseverance, as well as the doctors and staff, are the real heroes," said Beckett.
 
More than 1,400 people - including sports legends and players, professional team owners and Boston's business elite - will gather at the Champions for Children's event to raise funds for Children's Hospital. Since the event's inception in 1997, Champions for Children's has raised nearly $18M for patient care, cutting-edge research and community health programs.

The gala will kick-off with a pre-game, tailgate-themed reception-complete with Ford pickups, plaid-draped picnic tables, and game day fare including sliders, mini sausage subs, fries and chili. Faux scalpers will also be on-site to sell raffle tickets for a variety of prizes. The event will continue with a high-end sit down dinner and a silent auction filled with sports memorabilia and one-of-a-kind experiences. Just a few include a Las Vegas package of a three-night stay at Caesars Palace and tickets to a Bette Midler or Cher concert complete with a meet and greet; two Grand Cru packages for the 2010 Nantucket Wine Festival; and a book club meeting and dinner with author Ben Mezrich.

WEEI-AM's on-air personality Glenn Ordway will serve as emcee.
 
The list of past "Champion Award" recipients feature some of Boston's most prominent athletes including Beckett's teammates Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek; New England Patriots Vince Wilfork, Matt Light and former players Joe Andruzzi and Matt Cassel; Boston Bruin Patrice Bergeron; and Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce and legend JoJo White.
 
For more information or to make a donation as a "Virtual Champion," visit www.childrenshospital.org/champions.