Boston Red Sox legends Mo Vaughn and John Valentin to join 10th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon

August 16, 2011

Red Sox fans will get a blast from the past on August 31 when former Red Sox players Mo Vaughn and John Valentin visit Fenway Park as part of the 10th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon.

Fan favorites Vaughn and Valentin have a special connection with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Both formed special friendships with two Jimmy Fund Clinic pediatric patients, and their families, while playing for the Red Sox in the 1990s. Vaughn and Valentin will be interviewed on WEEI before the game and will throw out the first pitch during the August 31 pre-game ceremony when the Boston Red Sox take on the New York Yankees.

The WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon will take place at Fenway Park on Tuesday, August 30 and Wednesday, August 31 from 6 a.m. to midnight. The emotional two-day event has become one of the biggest fundraisers for the Jimmy Fund. In 2010, more than $3.1 million dollars were raised for adult and pediatric care and cancer research at Dana-Farber. The event has raised more than $25 million dollars during the past nine years.

This year's Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon will focus on the progress that has been made in cancer research and care during the past decade. The 36-hour broadcast will once again feature compelling stories from Dana-Farber patients and doctors, as well as celebrity guests from the sports and entertainment worlds.

"Mo Vaughn and John Valentin made a lasting impression on some of our pediatric patients and their families and understood the connection between the Boston Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund. We are honored that they will join us for the 10th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon," said Suzanne Fountain, director of the Jimmy Fund. "Along with emotional patient stories and insight from doctors, this year’s event promises to be one of our most compelling yet."

"I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the radio-telethon's 10th year than to bring Mo Vaughn and John Valentin back to town. When this event began, these guys were two of the biggest supporters of the Jimmy Fund and when you hear their stories, you’ll certainly know why. It'll be a real thrill to have them join us this year," said Jason Wolfe, VP of AM Programming for Entercom New England.

"As with many Red Sox players past and present, Mo Vaughn and John Valentin connected with the community through the Jimmy Fund in a very special way," said Sean McGrail, NESN's President and CEO. "Having both of them back to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the radio-telethon will help enhance this annual event that brings all of Red Sox Nation together to support the great work that the researchers and care givers at Dana-Farber do every single day."

To help strike out cancer during the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon, call 877-738-1234 toll free. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to contribute online, go to www.JimmyFundRadioTelethon.org.