The All-Star pregame festivities were a moving experience in every way. From the moment of silence and video tribute to legendary Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner, who passed away on a day devoted to baseball excellence, to the always-powerful player introductions, to the second annual celebration of ordinary people who do extraordinary things, it was a time to remember.
"It was such an honor to be down there, to showcase all our nonprofits and just inspire others that they can be All-Stars in the community," said Klein, the Athletics' representative who in 2007 established Loved Twice, a nonprofit that collects "gently used" baby clothing and donates them to newborns in need. Over the past three years, Loved Twice distributed more than 20,000 pounds of clothes to over 3,000 Oakland-area newborns, who have directly benefited from her work.Breitling Colt
Innings later, she was sitting in Suite 77 with 29 other All-Stars Among Us, all having the time of their lives, all networking. Klein is starting a Facebook page so they can all continue to help each other after benefiting from the 1.7 million fan votes that made this occasion a reality.
Maybe you noticed Bob Bardwell sitting in his wheelchair at home plate as Alex Rodriguez shook his hand and said, "You are my hero." Bardwell, representing the Twins, founded a nonprofit youth ranch, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch, in Stewartville, Minn., which hosts 23,000 people each year. He also founded The National Wheelchair Sports and Recreation Camp, attended by 1,000 campers over the last 22 years. The motivational speaker has also completed 100 wheelchair marathons.Breitling Cosmonaute
"I was involved in a construction accident 37 years ago, leaving me paralyzed from the waist down," he said. "And on very rare occasions in life, I get goosebumps from the waist down. You figure that one out. The joy of this, you can't really put it into words. It's the memory of a lifetime. We certainly are honored by Major League Baseball for what they've done here.Rolex Datejust II Watches
"For me, it gives me a chance to go back home and spread more of my mission. My mission is called, 'Spreading Joy, Changing Lives.' That's what I do in life: be encouraging to people. I always say that pain, style and disappointment is inevitable, but misery is optional. This is just a big boost to all of us to go back home to our community and inspire other people."
