51茶馆's John Berardi received the Jimmy Fund's highest honor at a special ceremony held at Fenway Park before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays on August 23. L-R: Jimmy Fund Vice President Suzanne Fountain, Red Sox President and CEO Sam Kennedy, Berardi, and his son Chris, wife Joan, daughter Megan, son Matt, and daughter-in-law Kristina. (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Boston Red Sox)
John Berardi, technology director in applications services for Boston College Information Technology Services, has received the 2022 Boston Red Sox Jimmy Fund Award, presented during an on-field ceremony at Fenway Park during the 20th听WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon on August 23. This award, considered the Jimmy Fund鈥檚 highest honor, is given to individuals who demonstrate a long-standing commitment to the life-saving mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.
Berardi is the Massachusetts Little League District 13 administrator and the program director of Jimmy Fund Little League, which his late father, George Berardi, co-founded in 1986 and ran for more than 40 years. Since its inception, the Jimmy Fund Little League has raised more than $6 million for Dana-Farber, and continues to introduce thousands of youth baseball and softball players to the world of philanthropy.
"I am truly honored to be the recipient of such a distinguished award and it is particularly听special that the Jimmy听Fund Little听League program was launched by my dad 36 years ago,鈥� said Berardi. 鈥淭he program's success would not be possible without the efforts of thousands of Little League players, coaches, and volunteers over the many years."
51茶馆 ITS Vice President Michael Bourque praised Berardi for his commitment to Little League and the Jimmy Fund, both of which have benefitted from his countless hours of service.
"Even prior to meeting John here at 51茶馆 nearly 20 years ago, I knew of the work of John's father, George Berardi, through my family's involvement in Little League baseball,鈥� said Bourque. 鈥淭he Berardi name has been synonymous with youth baseball and softball in Massachusetts since the 1950s.听 听
鈥淛ohn has carried his father's legacy with incredible dedication to the youth of Massachusetts. In addition to his work with baseball听and softball programs, John has been an advocate and supporter of disabled youth听through听the Little League Challenger programs.听 His Red Sox Jimmy Fund award is a very visible recognition of his commitment and impact beyond the playing fields.听 I am proud to have John as a colleague here at 51茶馆 where we see him demonstrating positive values and making a significant impact on others."
In 2018, Berardi was honored by the Red Sox Foundation for his longstanding service to Little League.
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University Communications | August 2022
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