The Sports Museum has announced that Patrice Bergeron will be among the honorees at this year’s annual fundraising event, ‘The Tradition’ on Wednesday, September 17 at 5:30 PM on the arena floor at TD Garden. Bergeron will be the recipient of The Tradition’s Community Service Award. Bergeron is the reigning NHL Foundation Award winner for applying “the core values of ice hockey -commitment, perseverance and teamwork—to enrich the lives of people in his community”, Bergeron’s charitable contributions away from TD Garden have been consistent since joining the Bruins as an 18-year-old in 2003. The Bruins Alternate Captain has been involved in numerous charitable endeavors over the years, including the development of his “Patrice’s Pals” program, which brings patients from local hospitals and other children’s organizations to TD Garden to experience a Bruins home game. Children invited to the game watch the Bruins play in the official Patrice’s Pals luxury suite and meet Bergeron postgame, at which time he signs autographs and takes pictures with the youngsters.
Among those who have benefited from Bergeron’s charitable deeds are, children from Children’s Hospital Boston, the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer, Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, Franciscan Hospital for Children, Joslin Diabetes Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brother and Big Sister of Massachusetts Bay, Oak Square YMCA, Shriners Hospital, The Jimmy Fund, Home for Little Wanderers, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, among many others, have all participated in the Patrice’s Pals program. He also makes numerous personal visits to hospitals in the Greater Boston Area. The NHL recognized Bergeron as the 2013 King Clancy Trophy winner, which is awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities both on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.
The Sports Museum’s 13th Annual Tradition will also honor three-time Super Bowl Champion, and former New England Patriot Tedy Bruschi. Two time World Series Champion Tim Wakefield will represent the Boston Red Sox. New Hampshire born Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion skier Bode Miller will join another Olympic Gold Medalist, World Judo Champion Kayla Harrison on the podium. Rounding out the illustrious scorecard of the Class of 2014 is former Boston Celtic, three-time All-Star, and NBA Champion Antoine Walker, along with Sports Radio Pioneer and Philanthropist Extraordinaire, Eddie Andelman. This event guarantees attendees a once-in-a-lifetime experience by granting the opportunity to mingle with some of New England’s most legendary athletes and industry leaders during the welcoming gala reception, which begins at 5:30 PM on the arena floor. Each ticket also includes access to premium food and beverage and a seat at the awards ceremony, where fans share in the career highlights and accomplishments of each honoree as they are introduced on stage and welcomed into The Sports Museum’s ‘Tradition Class of 2014’. The presenting sponsor of The Tradition is New Balance Athletic Shoe in association with NESN and the TD Garden.
Tickets are on sale now. Reserved seating is $300 and general admission is $200, with several group sponsorship packages also available for those interested. To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities and more information about The Tradition please visit www.sportsmuseum.org or contact Renee Fraker, Development Manager of The Sports Museum, at (617) 624-1231. All net proceeds benefit The Sports Museum.