Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Graduate who continues giving back to his alma mater. Rizzo, one of the most visible players in Major League Baseball, continues using the power of his celebrity platform for good- bringing awareness to #MSDStrong whenever he can.
The Cubs opened the 2018 season in South Florida, with a four game set versus the Marlins at Marlins Park, which is about a 45-50 minute drive south of MSD High. On Valentine’s Day, a mentally disturbed former student, one with a history of serious problems, legally acquired an AR-15 assault rifle, a true weapon of war, opened fire on his former classmates, killing 17.
This weekend, Anthony Rizzo hosted some of the families of the victims at the ballpark, and on the field.
I’m so thankful I had the opportunity spend some time with these #MSDstrong families. You’re an inspiration to us all. #NeverAgain #NeverForget #MSD17 pic.twitter.com/hWLzcR3shS
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) March 31, 2018
Additionally, after the Cubs’ 17 inning 2-1 loss to the Marlins on Friday, Rizzo’s official Twitter page made this posting, paying homage to the memory of the 17 victims on February 14.
Rizzo’s foundation also proudly announced that they have raised over $300,000 for the victims’ families, via a charity auction:
I don’t think 17 innings was a coincidence last night ?????? #MSDStrong
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) March 31, 2018
Thank u to everyone who supported the @FansAuthentic #MSDSTRONG auction. We r proud to announce we raised $300,000 which will go to help meet the immediate & long-term needs of the victims & their families. We ask for ur continued support as the Parkland comm. continues to heal
— A. Rizzo Foundation (@RizzoFoundation) March 30, 2018
Anthony Rizzo, by usage of the hashtag #NeverAgain, shows that he’s on the right side of history in regards to the gun reform movement. Two days ago, he lauded the student activists from his former school, and weighed in on the issues himself saying: “i think it’s a little too easy to go in and get a gun.”
Go here and here to learn more facts about the #NeverAgain #GunReformNow movement, and see the links that point the way, if you wish to become more involved.
Now is the time!
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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