Major Leaguer's Donation to Improve Lives at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Parkland native Jesús Luzardo Jr. may now be playing baseball for Philadelphia, but the impact of his philanthropy is staying in Broward County.

Monica Luzardo, managing director of the Jesús Luzardo Family Foundation, recently presented a $10,000 check to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation from the proceeds of the inaugural Jesús Luzardo Golf Classic. The dollars will benefit programs, services, and facilities for kids and families at the children’s hospital in Hollywood.

“Jesús having the opportunity to host a tournament that raises money to bring to the hospital makes him feel really good,” said Luzardo, mother of the Phillies pitcher. “He’s a great baseball player, but he’s a better human being.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and Arc Broward also benefitted from Luzardo’s charitable event. All three organizations focus on kids, which supports the mission of the ballplayer’s foundation to empower and uplift children of all abilities in South Florida while supporting health, wellness, and underserved community programs.

Karey Greenstein, director of philanthropy at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, says Luzardo’s impact goes well beyond the donation he’s made.

“During some of our patient’s dark or scary times, having a famous ballplayer visit and spread the love is very important to them and helps ease their fears,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing.”