Yankee Heroes Support the
Ministry of the Franciscan Sisters
On Monday, August 23, 2010, the Delta 360 Club inside Yankee Stadium played host to the “Ultimate Yankee Stadium Experience” – an event designed to benefit the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation. The Sisters and their guests were treated to a fabulous tour of Yankee Stadium -- and given an opportunity to mingle with Yankee heroes. David Cone, Mickey Rivers, Darryl Strawberry, Roy White, and pro football Hall of Famer Franco Harris as well as New York Knicks announcer John Andariese graciously mingled with the Sisters and their guests.
These baseball greats were happy to lend their support to the work of the foundation. David Cone said, “I'm honored to be here, I know they do great work… ” Darryl Strawberry agreed. “I'm excited to be here… Any time you come out, it's a blessing to be able to help.” John Andariese, the famous Knicks announcer, who is on the board of the foundation, explained how the Sisters’ work with his aunt brought him into the fold. “… My aunt became indigent many years ago. I was desperate to get her settled in a place where she … could live with dignity ... She didn't have money, and yet they took care of her on her social security for the last two years of her life. I stayed with the organization after she passed, and I am so respectful toward these nuns who give their lives to those who have nothing…”
Helping Those Most in Need
This event was more than an opportunity to tour Yankee Stadium with the legends. It was an opportunity to help people who have given their lives to help those in need. Linda Christian, who is the Executive Director of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation, said “… The Sisters don't sit back here in New York and decide what's good for someone in Senegal ... they go and live amongst the poor and discuss solutions to their problems… .”
Moreover, Ms. Christian emphasized that their Foundation is completely accountable to donors: “If you give me a dollar today as a donation and ask what I did with that dollar, I can tell you what country I sent it to, and what program I sent it to. If you give me a week or two, I can call the Sister and learn which individual benefited from that dollar… It’s important to know that one hundred percent of your donation goes to the programs.”
Donations to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation can be made by visiting their website at http://www.franciscanfoundation.org/.
Sister Joanne Schuster, SFP