MLB, People magazine and the San Diego Padres announced the three finalists and the beginning of the voting period for the “All-Stars Among Us” campaign, which recognizes individuals who are serving the San Diego community in extraordinary ways.
Here are the three San Diego finalists; three men whose lives are dedicated to helping others and improving the lives of those around them:
- Richard Nares of San Diego started the Emilio Nares Foundation after his young son died of cancer. His Ride With Emilio program transports sick children to their weekly cancer treatments and medical appointments when their families lack access to transportation. For families coping with a child's illness, the foundation provides a vitally important service.
- Eric Northbrook of Olivenhain, Calif., was paralyzed from the waist down in a dirt-bike accident in 2006 and started HeadNorth Foundation to help other victims of spinal-cord trauma in San Diego. His foundation has raised over $1.5 million to help those afflicted and research to help find a cure.
- Dr. Jeffrey C. Gray of Ramona, Calif., is the founder of Smiles for Life. With participating dentists from across North America, Gray has raised over $25 million for children's charities, including the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation. Smiles for Life helps triple-match contributions made by over 300 Major League Baseball players.
Ninety finalists (three per MLB Club) have been selected from thousands of online submissions by fans across the U.S. who nominated an “All-Star” within their community. All 30 winners will be included in the All-Star Week festivities in St. Louis and will attend and be honored as part of the pre-game ceremony at the 2009 MLB All-Star Game.
Visit the MLB All-Stars website to vote. Voting ends June 24 and the one winning “All-Star Among Us” will be featured in People the week of the All-Star Game.
