Phillies Phestival raises $768K to fight ALS

Thousands of fans attended today’s Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park, raising a total of $768,020 for much-needed research, patient care and services for ALS patients. Since the Phillies’ relationship began with the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia 35 years ago, more than $19 million has gone back to #StrikeOutALS.

"All of us at the ALS Association are grateful to the Phillies players and their fans for another successful Phillies Phestival,” said ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter Board Chair Ellyn Phillips. “After losing our dear friend David Montgomery, this year’s Phestival holds a special place in our hearts. It means so much to us to know that the entire Phillies family, from the players and management to gameday staff and fans, all share the same compassion and commitment to support people with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and to end ALS for good.”

The event featured a photo opportunity with Bryce Harper, as well as autograph sessions with Rhys Hoskins, J.T. Realmuto, Jay Bruce, Aaron Nola and the rest of the Phillies roster. Other highlights included grab bags filled with signed baseball and caps, games including autographed items for prizes, a silent auction and more.

"We are determined to make a difference for families affected by ALS,” said John Weber, President, Phillies Charities, Inc. “Our hearts go out to military veteran Chuck Schretzman and the other ALS patients from our area who are battling this awful disease. But they are not alone, as they’ve got the entire Phillies family behind them. Thank you to our players, sponsors and thousands of fans who joined us today.”

A special thanks also goes to the many Phestival contributors including Grand Slam Sponsor Kessler Topaz Meltzer Check, LLP; All-Star Sponsor NBC Sports Philadelphia; and Home Run Sponsors Hatfield Quality Meats, The Richard N. Berman Foundation, Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center and UFCW Local 1776.

For more information on the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, visit www.alsphiladelphia.org.

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