Fallon Health and Worcester Red Sox celebrate partnership with Strike Out Hunger game
50,000 Donation Presented to Worcester County Food Bank
Worcester, Mass., September 4, 2022—Fallon Health and the Worcester Red Sox teamed to recognize individuals who are making a meaningful difference in the community with a special focus on the fight against hunger. Throughout the season, the partners built on their shared commitment to the health and well-being of the community through the “Strike Out Hunger” campaign, now in its second year.
On Sunday, September 4, Fallon Health President and CEO Richard Burke presented the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) with a check for $50,000. That’s $50 for every home-game strikeout thrown by WooSox pitchers in 2022. He was joined on the field by Dr. Charles Steinberg, President of the Worcester Red Sox, and Jack Verducci, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships for the Worcester Red Sox. Accepting on behalf of the WCFB was the organization’s Executive director Jean McMurray.
Honorees celebrated during the pregame ceremony included:
- The “Heart of Worcester” recognition Jean McMurray, Executive Director of the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB), was recognized as a community leader for her tireless work combatting the silent epidemic of hunger in Worcester County. Under her leadership, spanning nearly 25 years, the WCFB has increased the scope of its anti-hunger work, deepened community partnerships, established funding sources, and built an impressive advocacy program—all focused on increasing access to healthy food while working on programs and policies that systemically and sustainably address the root causes of food insecurity.
- The “Hometown Hero” recognition Rosalee Pham of Worcester was recognized as an unsung hero for her work helping vulnerable members in the community achieve their health care goals during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. As a Clinical Integration Navigator for Fallon’s Senior Care Options plan, NaviCare, she uses her skills as a bilingual speaker to provide exemplary care to our members who speak Vietnamese. As part of the recognition, Rosalee threw out one of two ceremonial first pitches.
- The ceremonial first pitch Fallon Health President and CEO Richard Burke was honored with the opportunity to throw one of the two ceremonial first pitches. During his tenure, Fallon has become a leader in the fight against hunger—contributing more than $2.8 million to the cause through hunger relief programs and the building and stocking of food pantries. Rosalee Pham, our “Hometown Hero” honoree, will threw out the other first pitch.
“In Worcester County, hunger is a serious problem,” said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health. “Thousands of families in the communities we serve are turning to food pantries and meal programs. We are committed to purposefully addressing food insecurity and are proud to partner with community organizations to further reach those in need.”
“Fallon Health is an exceptional partner in the work to end hunger. They understand hunger is a problem affecting the health and well-being of too many children, families, and seniors in our community,” said Jean McMurray, CEO of Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB). “We are grateful for their very generous donation of $50,000, which makes it possible for WCFB to distribute $200,000 worth of healthy food that’s donated to us.”
“Once again, Richard Burke and our partners at Fallon Health have stepped to the plate and hit a home run,” said WooSox President Dr. Charles A. Steinberg. “The WooSox Foundation views food insecurity as one of the great challenges our community faces in achieving social justice, and we congratulate the everyday heroes at the Worcester County Food Bank for making such a difference to so many on a daily basis. We are honored to be a partner, and we are proud to offer Polar Park as a community gathering place to shine the spotlight on those who are making Worcester an even better place to live.”
The National Anthem was sung by Kristin Defosse, an Occupational Therapy Assistant for Fallon Health’s Summit ElderCare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and resident of Worcester. God Bless America was performed by Taylor Lawton, a Care Transition Liaison for Fallon and a resident of Leominster.
Melissa Randall
Director, Corporate Communications
Fallon Health
508-368-9345
melissa.randall@fallonhealth.org
About Fallon Health
Fallon Health is a company that cares. We prioritize our members—always—making sure they get the care they need and deserve. Founded in 1977 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Fallon delivers equitable, high-quality coordinated care and is continually rated among the nation’s top health plans for member experience, service, and clinical quality. Today, guided by our mission of improving health and inspiring hope, we strive to be the leading provider of government-sponsored health insurance programs—including Medicare, Medicaid, and PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)— in the region.