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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Monday, even with rain moving in, donators paid to take the field at Fenway Park for a charity ballgame benefitting the advocacy group, ABCD'S SummerWorks jobs program. According to the anti-poverty organizations website, the event "Field of Dreams" has raised over $5 million for ABCD SummerWorks over the 20 or so years.
At "Field of Dreams," participants got to play a full game of softball against another team at Fenway Park, with full usage of the home and away dugouts.
WBZ's Karyn Regal went out to field where Co-Chairman Lew Eisenberg detailed the positive impacts the program has on the community.
"The inner-city youth get a chance to have a job, manage their money and a checking account, show up to work on-time, and that's what the point is," Eisenberg said.
ABCD shared a video that highlighted last year's "Field of Dreams" event.
"Field of Dreams" Organizer Jim Lawson says he takes part in the effort in honor of Andrew, his son.
"My son had down syndrome, and he played every sport," Lawson said. Andrew passed away four years ago, and Lawson carries his memory on as he continues to coach in the Special Olympics. Also in attendance was Olympian Billy Harris, who had nothing but good things to say about the team.
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"This team is really great— I love this team," Harris said.
ABCD is made up of members from local private sector, public sector, and low-income community backgrounds, who are chosen by an ABCD Advisory Board.
WBZ's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports.
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