Pawtucket Red Sox rename Charitable Foundation in Memory of James Skeffington

The Pawtucket Red Sox today announced that they have renamed their charitable foundation in honor of former club president Jim Skeffington, who passed away suddenly last month. The Pawtucket Red Sox Charitable Foundation will now be known as the Skeffington PawSox Charitable Foundation.

"Jim Skeffington was one of the most compassionate and generous people I have ever known," said Pawtucket Red Sox Chairman Larry Lucchino, who has established foundations during each of his presidencies with the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox. "In recognition of the important work he did both publicly and privately to serve and support Rhode Island's many charitable institutions, it seemed a fitting tribute to name the club's foundation after him.

"We will revive and reinvigorate our efforts and our outreach throughout Rhode Island, and we will do our best to honor the spirit and example he set."

The PawSox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, established the club's charity in 1999 under the stewardship of the Mondor family. Since its creation, the foundation has donated more than $1 million to support residents of Southeastern New England.

Through donations, player appearances, and the club's successful ticket fundraising program, the foundation raises money to support education, healthcare, youth athletics, and organizations that help underserved communities. 

In 2014, the PawSox were the recipient of the John Henry Moss Community Service Award - an award named after the former South Atlantic League president that is presented to a Minor League Baseball club for its ongoing commitment to charitable service and its support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry.

In addition to the contributions of this foundation, the Red Sox Foundation, the major league club's philanthropic arm, will augment its support in the Ocean State.

"Rhode Island has some of the most generous and loyal fans in Red Sox Nation," said Red Sox Foundation Executive Director Gena Borson. "We intend to broaden the breadth and depth of our commitment to Rhode Island as we complement the efforts of the Skeffington PawSox Charitable Foundation."

Since its inception in 2002, the Red Sox Foundation has made numerous contributions to Rhode Islanders. In 2011, the foundation created Rhode Island Red Sox Service Scholarships, a program that awards college scholarships of $1,000 to high school seniors based on academics, financial need, and demonstrated community service. The program is supported by the Red Sox charity license plate program in Rhode Island. Last month, on May 2, 30 students from 30 Rhode Island public high schools were honored in ceremonies on the field at Fenway Park.