In the game of life, it's not just about balls and strikes. That's why baseball's men in blue are giving back to Major League Baseball communities across the country. The BLUE for Kids hospital program brings a crew of Major League umpires to the bedside of children with life-threatening illnesses, and they don't come empty-handed. Each crew brings a Build-A-Bear Workshop experience right to the hospital room!
While a hospital stay can be a frightening time for children and their families, the BLUE for Kids program lifts the spirits of all involved. Children outfit stuffed teddy bears, puppies or monkeys while sharing high-fives and words of encouragement with the BLUE for Kids crew. When available, the home team mascot tags along making it a fun and memorable day.
Through this program, UMPS CARE delivers 1200-1500 bears annually to critically-ill children in MLB markets across the country and in Canada. To date, UMPS CARE has distributed 12,500+ bears. We are grateful to the following sponsors who help make this program possible: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eisai, Inc. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, US Foods, Peninsula Sports Inc., Melanie Ahern, Tim Williams, Great Neck Public Schools, and The Evolutionary School of Softball & Baseball among others.