The 31st annual Red Sox Celebrity Classic series presented by Ambitrans Ambulance raised $400,000 in February and March to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

“The Boston Red Sox organization’s dedicated major players and staff, Forest Country Club members and event participants have helped raise over $15 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital through the years,” said Katy Martinez, Senior Director of Development for Lee Health Foundation. “We are grateful for the important impact they are making for the children of Southwest Florida through their support.”

Events included the Boston “Tee” Party and the Golf Tournament, both held in February and hosted at The Forest Country Club, and Dinner on the Diamond in March at JetBlue Park.

“As part of the Southwest Florida Community for so many years, we are proud to partner with Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital,” said Shawn Smith, general manager of Boston Red Sox Florida Operations. “It’s important for us to contribute to making Southwest Florida a healthy place to live, work and play ball.”

This year, the event series supports the development of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery Center. Last year, approximately 4,200 outpatient pediatric surgeries and procedures were performed at HealthPark Medical Center to treat fractures, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ENT conditions, orthopedic maladies and appendectomies.

The new surgery center will provide world-class, compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Details and timeline of the 40,000-square-foot, one-story center, which is expected to cost about $40 million, are still being determined. When it opens, it is expected to include four operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms and numerous exam rooms, recovery bays and pre-op rooms. An estimated $15-20 million is needed from philanthropy to fund medical equipment and furnishings for the center.

To donate to the planned center, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Golisano Children’s Hospital, a nationally recognized facility for safety and quality care, is one of five acute care hospitals within Lee Health. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only designated children’s hospital in Southwest Florida, with over 500,000 visits a year, serving patients from six surrounding counties. Ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by Leapfrog, a Solution for Patient Safety network hospital, an Asthma Friendly Hospital and a certified center for children with Autism, Golisano offers over thirty specialty pediatric services in various locations across SWFL. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which includes 135-beds and comprehensive neonatal and pediatric services. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.