More important than any of the baseball being played at the NBC World Series in Wichita is the work that was done by the Santa Barbara Foresters Friday, as they visited pediatric patients at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital bearing gifts and smiles.
The team, which has been making the visits for 15 years, delivered teddy bears, books and toy cars to children of all ages with all sorts of serious illnesses.
“That defines who we are,” said manager Bill Pintard. “We had 35 kids this year and we made a lot of people smile. The parents appreciated it too, so it was just a really great day.”
The Foresters’ Hugs For Cubs Foundation, founded by the late Eric Pintard, Bill’s son, works year-round in helping children in their battles against cancer.
This year, thousands of dollars were raised to benefit Santa Barbara youths Wyatt Taylor and Trent Gerke, both of whom have been inspirations while at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium throughout the year.
The foundation also organizes events with the players and kids such as surf days and bowling nights. There was also a trip to see the Los Angeles Angels and meet some of their star players earlier this summer.
The back of the team’s hats this season bear Wyatt and Trent’s initials as well as the number 19, which was worn by Eric Pintard and is now currently worn by Foresters in the Major Leagues including Ryan Spilborghs, Brian Bannister and Kevin Frandsen.
To find out more about how you can help support the team’s efforts, visit www.sbforesters.org.
