Jose Bautista Hosts First Charitable Golf Event
Toronto Blue Jays star Jose Bautista held his inaugural charity golf tournament, the Booster Juice Jose Bautista Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by Pizza Pizza, on August 26th, benefitting his foundation, the Bautista Family Education Fund. Jose welcomed a slate of teammates, celebrities, partners and guests to Eagle’s Nest Golf Course for a day of golf and entertainment to raise money for the BFEF.
The Classic directly benefits the BFEF, which was founded in 2011 as an effort to help those facing similar obstacles that Jose was able to overcome in pursuit of his professional aspirations, both on and off the field. While initially focused in the Dominican Republic, in 2012, the Bautista Family Education Fund extended its reach to include Jose’s new home of Canada, and recently began assisting its first Canadian athlete.
Beneficiaries of the BFEF received support in a variety of ways; including mentorship in all facets of transitioning to life in America, as well as subsidies for certain education related expenses including room and board and meals. Candidates are selected based not only on their performance in sports, but also on their achievements in academic endeavors
Among the VIPs attending the event were several of Jose’s teammates, including Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Reyes, Esmil Rodgers, and Muneori Kawasaki. Current TSN personality Cabbie Richards emceed the awards gala and live gala, assisting in raising even more money for the Bautista Family Education Fund.
Jose would like to give a special thanks to the Executive Board Dale Wishewan, Pat Finelli and James Dodds for their commitment and dedication to the foundation.
For photos, please check out https://www.facebook.com/BautistaFund.