testimonials

We are privileged every day to find so many like-minded people and organizations who are all compassionate in their efforts to genuinely make a difference in the lives of the many children and families we serve. Together, we can all offer hope and opportunity where it is needed most. Our greatest accomplishments are the efforts that help to change the narrative for those who are among our most vulnerable.

“My purpose in life is to give back to the youth in underserved communities. Every child with a love for the game deserves an opportunity to showcase their skills, with access to equipment and coaching like those who are privileged with the opportunity. My mission is to level the playing field for all, R2G’s purpose-driven mission is set to do the same. I’m honored to be a part of the R2G foundation and help support the passion of the Ford Family.”

“I’m proud and honored to be a part of Rise 2 Greatness, an organization that has a huge impact on the lives and futures of young kids. Rise 2 Greatness levels the playing field for kids who grew up like I did and shows kids that when they work hard, they can be successful too.”

“To be a part of a board that thrives on providing lifelong skills to youth in underserved communities is a mission that I support tremendously. I believe it takes teamwork to mentor and empower kids through sports.”

“I am honored and excited to join the Rise 2 Greatness board, where I can leverage my passion and purpose to inspire others to discover and pursue their own. Together we can create a culture of growth and empowerment, where everyone has the opportunity to rise to their fullest potential.”

“Baseball. An amazing game, and an amazing sport. Once Baseball touches your heart, and pierces your soul, it never goes away. Life changes when the romance of baseball gives you no choice but to fall in love with the game, and stay in love forever. The only thing more gratifying than playing baseball, is giving + providing the game to others — even beyond your own children. I’ve been impressed, and had my heart warmed by the works of the Ford family and PG Cares. Their love and passion is infectious, and they made PG Cares very easy to support. Joining the board of directors of PG Cares as they transition to Rise 2 Greatness (R2G) is an amazing honor. R2G will be an unstoppable pathway to deliver the happiness of baseball to so many, worldwide. I look forward to serving our youth, and communities through the focused lens of baseball. Making baseball accessible to those with critical illnesses, unfairly fighting for their lives — also to those who haven’t had the opportunity to fall in love with the game, through location & circumstances alone, is an incredible mission and a challenge worth partnering up with the Ford family + fellow board members. R2G, made up of the big-hearted & philanthropic Ford family, decorated MLB players, and accomplished business people is going to change lives of as many we can reach. Play Ball!”

"The Perfect Game Cares Foundation is giving back in ways that will have long lasting impacts in our communities. I am so proud to be apart of such an incredible group."

"It has been an honor to work with the Perfect Game family over the past four years on the 14u Select Baseball Festival. Each and every year, I look forward to meeting the young men selected to play in this game and to thank them for raising money to support our local children's hospital. Since this partnership began in 2016, all of the players selected for this prestigious event have raised over $209,000 to support our pediatric cancer patients at Golisano Children's Hospital of SW Florida. However, what really holds a special place in my heart is when I see the players interacting with our patients on their annual trip to the hospital. The smiles on both the patients and players faces are priceless. What these players do for our local community makes them all MVPs in my book."

"Being selected to participate in the Perfect Game Select Baseball Festival was one of the best experiences to date in my baseball career. Once I learned about the PG Cares Foundation and the kids, I was excited to raise money to help them. I did what I could to raise money by having lemonade stands and asking for donations from my family, friends and local restaurants. Visiting with the kids was the highlight of PG Select Baseball Festival. To be able to hang out with these kids was very special. I loved playing with them and getting to know them. Even after leaving the event, I am keeping up with some of my new friends on social media. The PG Select Baseball Festival is truly one of the best events because I get to play baseball with the best players in the nation but we also have the opportunity to give back by helping the kids."

"2019 was our first year to partner with The Perfect Game Cares Foundation and it was a home run! The young men possess amazing drive to be the best baseball players in the country and that drive definitely extends to their giving natures. Fortunately for us, The Toby Keith Foundation was chosen to benefit from their philanthropic work and 125 different families will be directly impacted for the better. Thank you to The Perfect Game Cares Foundation for hitting one out of the ballpark for children battling cancer."

"Being selected for and participating in the 14U Perfect Game Select Baseball Festival was an incredible honor and the experience of a lifetime. While the distinction and baseball experience were outstanding, the opportunity to raise money and interact with the children of Golisano Children’s Hospital was tremendously rewarding and life changing. While I felt extremely proud and honored to raise $9,000 for the children of Golisano Children’s Hospital, nothing compared to seeing the smiles and laughter on the children’s faces when we visited them at the hospital. While visiting the hospital, we were given the chance to interact, play wiffle ball and just be kids with the kids. Witnessing their excitement and laughter was priceless and incredibly fulfilling. It’s funny, as I raised money and prepared to visit the children, I thought I was doing these things in hopes of changing the children’s lives, when in hindsight I realized it changed mine. This experience and opportunity goes far beyond the game of baseball and for that I am very grateful. Thank you to the Perfect Game Cares Foundation for giving me this opportunity."

testimonials

To donate to the jerry ford Grow the Game Fund, text “GrowTheGame” to 41444.

The Rise 2 Greatness Foundation, formerly known as The Perfect Game Cares Foundation, is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Our EIN is 73-1687284.