In the days leading up to Halloween, Major League Baseball Umpires wanted to bring some treats to kids who are undergoing treatment at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver.
Major League Baseball Umpires Paul Emmel and Chris Guccione, who make their offseason home in Denver, took time out today to visit young patients at the hospital, delivering 100 Build-A-Bear® stuffed toys, outfits (including Build-A-Bear® costumes), baseball-themed activity books and smiles to kids who need it most. Paul is a Major League Baseball Crew Chief who has worked one World Series and two All-Star Games. Chris has worked in two World Series (2016, 2020) and recently returned home to Denver after working the ALCS between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees.
In addition to Paul and Chris, former Minor League Baseball Umpire Jimmy Volpi joined in the fun. Volpi now works for Arby’s and he brought along fellow Arby’s employees, Glen Davies and Colleen Lacombe, to join in the fun.
This visit was made possible through a generous grant from the Arby’s Foundation.
UMPS CARE Charities, the official philanthropy of the Major League Baseball umpires, has now delivered more than 19,440 Build-A-Bear furry friends to children in pediatric hospitals since the program began in 2006.
“We know that most kids want to be out trick or treating over Halloween, but for kids in the hospital, that is not possible so the MLB Umpires are bringing Halloween fun to them,” said UMPS CARE Charities Executive Director Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt. “We are delighted to deliver these Build-A-Bear® stuffed toys and other treats their way.”
In addition to Build-A-Bear® furry friends and outfits, UMPS CARE also provides each young patient with an activity book, crayons, baseball-styled stress balls and TOPPS baseball cards.
For more information about this program, email Jennifer Skolochenko-Platt at [email protected].
Above – Former MiLB Umpire Jimmy Volpi, MLB Umpires Paul Emmel and Chris Guccione, UMPS CARE Marketing and Communications Director Amy Rosewater, Arby’s volunteers Glen Davies and Colleen Lacombe and Children’s Hospital Colorado Child Life staff member Sharon Miller.
(Above From L to R) – MLB Umpires Chris Guccione and Paul Emmel, along with former Minor League Baseball Umpire Jimmy Volpi, who volunteered at this visit through a generous grant from the Arby’s Foundation. (Right) MLB Umpire Paul Emmel with a young patient. (Below) Arby’s volunteer Glen Davies showing a young patient an array of goody bags to choose from.
