VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Hometown hero David Wright, former captain of the New York Mets, hosted the 10th and final Vegas-Style “Wright Night” January 17, with hundreds enjoying the fundraiser to benefit CHKD kids at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
The night of casino gaming, cocktails, and a live auction raised $xxx,000 for the children’s hospital, for a 10-year total of more than $1.6 million. CHKD honored Wright, a seven-time All-Star third baseman, and his wife, Molly Beers, by naming the playroom on the 8th floor of the hospital after the couple.
Born in Norfolk and raised in Chesapeake, Wright has been a long-time supporter of CHKD, regularly visiting the hospital to play games and talk baseball with the children. He has retired as a Mets player, and now works for the Mets’ front office as a special advisor to the team. He recently was nominated to the 2020 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
“I’d like to recognize David Wright for his support in hosting a decade of fundraisers for CHKD, and for the countless hours he has spent lifting the spirits of our patients in the playroom and at their bedsides,” said CHKD President and CEO Jim Dahling. “His selfless commitment has been an enduring benefit, not just to CHKD, but to the whole community.”
Major sponsors of this year’s event include the David Wright Foundation, The New York Mets Foundation, Capital Group, Charles Barker Automotive, and more.
CHKD patient Tymiere Grayson presents David Wright and his wife, Molly Beers, a gift of appreciation for a decade of hosting a casino night fundraiser for CHKD.
Mr. Met dances the night away with CHKD patient Julian Garcia.
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CHKD is the only freestanding children’s hospital in Virginia and serves the medical and surgical needs of children throughout greater Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit CHKD Health System operates primary care pediatric practices, surgical practices, multi-service health centers, urgent care centers, and satellite offices throughout its service region. Learn more at CHKD.org.
