Now in his fourth season with the White Sox, Andrew Vaughn's commitment to giving back is evident through his tireless work with Going, Going, Vaughn, an outreach program he created alongside his wife Lexi. The 26-year-old Santa Rosa, Calif., native has leveraged his platform to make a significant impact on countless lives, demonstrating a character that prioritizes the needs of others above his own. His leadership is truly commendable, marked by substantial financial contributions supporting those most in need.
Andrew and Lexi launched Going, Going, Vaughn at the start of the 2024 season, following a Spring Training collaboration with Put on the Cape to fill the toy closets, food pantries and wardrobes of children and families affected by abuse. Andrew shopped for items personally and delivered these gifts and essentials to individuals served by the Glendale Advocacy Center.
Returning to Chicago in late March, Andrew hosted children and families at La Rabida Children’s Hospital for a special Opening Day party. He provided White Sox and Southpaw plushies and T-shirts to more than 100 families, and treated them, along with more than 150 La Rabida staff members, to Garrett Popcorn and baked goods, among other treats. The Vaughns’ generosity and kindness left a lasting impression on all those they met, offering both tangible gifts and an emotional boost to the patients and staff.
In mid-May, the Vaughns hosted more than a dozen foster moms from Brightpoint, a Chicago-based nonprofit offering comprehensive behavioral health services to parents and youth, for an outing in a ballpark suite. To continue the Mother’s Day celebrations, the women participated in a build-your-own bouquet activity before enjoying Andrew’s game.
In early July, the Vaughns extended their outreach to the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. During a tour of its communal spaces, including the learning center and community garden, Andrew interacted with several dozen young men and women. He distributed White Sox swag bags and treated everyone to ice cream from Rainbow Cone. Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is dedicated to offering safety, life skills, education and career preparedness opportunities to its residents. The visit reinforced these values and provided the youth with a sense of hope and encouragement through learning about Andrew’s journey to becoming the White Sox’s 2019 first-round MLB Draft selection (third overall).
Later that month, with help from Digs with Dignity, Andrew -- recently named the White Sox Heart and Hustle Award winner -- provided a home makeover for a family from Chicago’s South Side who had been displaced by a flood. Andrew selected furniture, linens, household items, artwork and toys to furnish the new living space of Rhyan King, a single mother and guardian to her 3-year-old son Raheem. While the King family was away for the day, Andrew and the volunteer group transformed their home, filling it with essential items and personalized décor. Upon returning, Rhyan and Raheem were greeted with a beautifully updated home, stocked with favorite foods and surprises arranged by the Vaughns.
In August, Andrew hosted a Nike Home Run Derby for young athletes from the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) and Team Teflon programs, which aim to inspire the next generation of Black baseball and softball talent. His participation offered coaching tips, big league insights and an opportunity for these kids to showcase their skills and hitting power at a Major League ballpark.
Andrew’s philanthropic leadership is a testament to his extraordinary character and commitment to positively impacting the community. He has been steadfast in spreading joy to those who need it most. Andrew’s contributions reflect his dedication to showing up, being genuine and leading with his heart.