Farmer John will donate $500 to the UCLA Children’s
Hospital Cancer Research Foundation for every save Los Angeles
Dodger closer Eric Gagné earns this season.
“We’re grateful and pleased with the donations from
Farmer John and Mr. Gagné,” said Dr. Kathleen Sakamoto,
UCLA associate professor of pediatrics.
Gagné has seven saves thus far this season. He had 52 saves
last season, his first as a closer. His record was second in the
majors to Atlanta’s John Smoltz (55).
If Gagné were to record 52 saves again, that would equal a
$26,000 donation to the hospital.
“I’m extremely honored to be involved in a
charitable cause like this, particularly because it benefits cancer
research,” Gagné said in a statement. “I had a
family member pass away from leukemia, so any way that I can help
people who suffer from the disease is a tremendous
honor.”
Last year, Farmer John donated $100 for each of Dodger Hideo
Nomo’s 193 strikeouts, resulting in $19,300 for the UCLA
Mattel Children’s Hospital.
The money goes toward supporting cancer research and the
division of pediatrics and oncology.
Donations are needed more than ever says Sakamoto.
“Government funding is decreasing because of the focus on
the war and bioterrorism,” Sakamoto said. “Farmer John,
Mr. Gagné, and Mr. Nomo are very generous in their
support.”
This 2003 Farmer John Save Campaign marks the ninth season that
the Dodgers are teaming up with Farmer John in a community program.
Farmer John has donated more than $165,000 to charities throughout
Southern California.
“Farmer John is very excited to partner with Eric
Gagné in support of a great organization, the UCLA
Children’s Hospital Cancer Research Foundation,” said
Tom Clougherty, director of sports planning and promotion for
Farmer John.