As I'm sure you've heard, Opening Week at Dodger Stadium will feature a partnership between the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) and the Kirk Gibson Foundation to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease. Proceeds from the 50-50 raffle and the silent auction will go towards this effort. Additionally, Dodger hero Kirk Gibson will be on-hand to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day (Thursday, March 29th). Then the following evening (Friday, March 30th) the first 40,000 fans in attendance will receive a special edition bobblehead that celebrates Gibson's walk-off home run during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. This bobble is in addition to the ten bobbleheads already slated to be released later on in the season.
To the right is a first look at this bobble. Per a Dodgers press release:
The Kirk Gibson Foundation (more information: KirkGibsonFoundation.org) is committed to raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s Research by promoting collaboration, cooperation and teamwork, and on Opening Day, the Dodgers and LADF will support that mission by donating the proceeds from the LADF 50-50 Raffle. LADF will also hold an online auction from April 9-30 for 88 limited-edition, Gibson-autographed bobbleheads and the Dodgers’ game-worn jerseys from the Friday, March 30 game with proceeds benefitting the Kirk Gibson Foundation. Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015.
“I’d like to thank the Dodger organization, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Dodger fans for their support of the Kirk Gibson Foundation and Parkinson’s Disease research. We’re going to be able to help a lot of people through the money raised during Opening week,” said Gibson. “I’m honored to help kick off the Dodgers’ 60th anniversary celebration, and am looking forward to re-living many magical moments at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day and on my bobblehead night.”
* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *
