Jon Jay — MLB outfielder, former player on the St. Louis Cardinals World Series Championship team, Miami native and Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumnus — hosted the seventh annual Jon Jay FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge that raised $75,000.
More than 250 guests joined Jay at Splitsville Lanes in Miami on Jan. 27 for a fun-filled event that benefited Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Project Learn After-School Program, serving club members in grades K–8.
The sold-out crowd featured Major League Baseball stars and local celebrities including Gio Gonzalez (Washington Nationals), Jon Beason (retired NFL), Kevin Seigrist (St. Louis Cardinals), Tommy Pham (St. Louis Cardinals), Kolten Wong (St. Louis Cardinals) and Danny Valencia (MLB free agent).
The surprise of the evening came when Gerard Loisel, past president of the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, presented Jay with the official jacket and ring from UM Sports Hall of Fame. Jay was inducted last year but was not present to receive the iconic jacket and ring.
“This year’s Jon Jay FMSbonds Celebrity Bowling Challenge proved to be even more exciting than previous years,” Jay said.
“Not only did we raise funds for Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, but I was presented with the jacket and ring from my alma mater’s Hall of Fame in front of my family and friends. It was a great night,” he added.
“Through the efforts of Jon and many other alumni who support Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, we are able to continue to make a difference in the lives of many area youths,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “This event allows us to support our mission of enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
For more information About Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, visit www.bgcmia.org.
