From Georgia Transplant Foundation's February Newsletter
Original Article HERE
The 2006 Tom Glavine's Spring Training generated a whopping $541,690 for Georgia’s transplant community, bringing the grand total since the inception of the event to more than $3.25 million. The Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) fundraiser was held on January 26 at the 755 Club at Turner Field and drew hundreds of sponsors, guests, volunteers and athletes for a special night of friendly competition to raise money and awareness in support of GTF.
"I am blown away at the success of this year's event," said Glavine, a star pitcher for the New York Mets. "Each year I think 'how are we going to top this next year?' and then we do." Glavine is already looking forward to the 2007 event. "I'm pleased to continue lending a hand to GTF and its work to improve the lives of those in Georgia touched by transplant."
Throughout the night, the 755 Club rocked to the beat of energetic music and ongoing games of poker, pool and air hockey. Between sporting competitions, guests kept a close watch on their silent auction bids. The items included vacation packages, sports memorabilia, artwork and jewelry. By night's end, the silent auction had raised more than $63,000.
As always, part of the evening's entertainment involved trying to spot the celebrities and athletes in attendance. Derek Rackley of the Falcons mingled with guests, as did Atlanta Silverbacks David Hayes, Leslie Gaston and Sharolta Nonen. Babe Ruth look-alike Buster Gardner was easy to pick out, as were the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders. Former Atlanta Braves Mark Lemke, Jeff Blauser and Pete Smith showed up for the fun along with Texas Ranger Mark DeRosa. Atlanta native Nick Green of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays brought his twin brother Kevin along for the fun.
An exciting part of Tom Glavine's Spring Training is always the live auction, which this year raised more than $140,000. Auctioneer Allan Baitcher kept the bids rolling in on jerseys signed by Glavine, John Smoltz and Andruw Jones; guitars autographed by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, U2's Bono and Merle Haggard; rosary beads blessed by Pope John Paul II; and vacation packages to New York, Paris and the Camelback Inn and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
"The response we had this year was incredible," said David Bakelman, Executive Director of GTF. “We want to thank the community, our volunteers and our sponsors for this generous support. Because of them we are able to continue to provide financial and educational assistance to Georgia's organ transplant candidates, recipients and living donors."