March 3, 2007
Professional Machine Inc. Rallies Against Cancer to support the Jimmy Fund and the Red Sox
Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis
When the Red Sox take the field on Tuesday, April 10, to open the 2007 baseball season at Fenway Park, employees at Bellingham's Professional Machine Inc. will be wearing Red Sox hats and T-shirts to work. They're taking part in the Rally Against Cancer to support the Jimmy Fund, while also trying to win an office visit from Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis.
"A visit from Youkilis would be great for spirit in the office," says team captain Sherri Kauker, who is rallying to honor her mother-in-law Rose, who passed away of pancreatic cancer last year, and her niece, 23-year old Hannah Denietolis of Mendon, who is currently undergoing treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Youkilis will visit the Rally's top fundraising office and school team as reward for the major league effort put forth by Red Sox Nation to defeat cancer. The goal is to raise $500,000 for the Jimmy Fund, which supports cancer research and care for adults and children at Dana-Farber, and is an official charity of the Boston Red Sox.
"During my time with the Red Sox, I've been to Dana-Farber and seen first-hand how devastating cancer can be for families and patients," says Youkilis. "Rally Against Cancer is an easy and fun way for companies and schools to help the Jimmy Fund strike out cancer."
To register or to join the Professional machine Allstars Team, just step up to the plate and visit www.jimmyfund.org/Rally. Designate a team coach to motivate co-workers and students to pitch in at least $5 for the Jimmy Fund and be allowed to wear Red Sox gear to work or school on the day of the home opener, plus be part of a pennant-style race to win a visit from Youkilis.
Kauker became office manager of Professional Machine Inc. when Rose retired just before her cancer diagnosis. Kauker's husband Joe owns the company. "Rose was very active before her diagnosis and to see how fast she went downhill was overwhelming. Hannah is doing great, so we wanted to ‘rally' around both of our loved ones," says Sherri. "Plus it builds morale in the office. Maybe we can make a difference in some way."
Contacts
Elizabeth Chernack
Jimmy Fund
(617) 632-4687
For questions about Professional Machine
Sherri Kauker
(508) 966-5171
