All-Star Zimmerman hits home run for MS foundation
Guest Disher: Eric Shadowens Last night Nationals Park was lit up for Ryan Zimmerman, not as Washington Nationals all-star third-baseman, but as host of the “ZiMS fest 2010” at Nationals Park to benefit the ZiMS foundation he founded in 2006 to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). Zimmerman explained, “As I grew older I looked for an opportunity to give back… baseball has given me the platform to do so, to give back to the people who helped get me there.” He also pointed out that this is something he has wanted for a long time and that a “big part of the contract [he] signed [with the Nationals] was to allow one event in the ball park per year,” opening the door for this year’s event. Zimmerman founded ZiMS in response to his mother’s 1996 diagnosis with MS. Last night’s inaugural ‘ZiMS fest’ marked the kick off of the organizations activities in the DC area. Zimmerman pointed to this being a big step forward for the organization, saying “DC is the best city in the world to start something like this.” Over 700 guests were entertained by
world-renowned magician David Blaine, musical performances by Amos Lee and Mutlu, as well as a silent and live auction. Zimmerman enjoyed the support of teammates Adam Dunn, Craig Stammen, Ivan Rodriguez, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard, Willie Harris, John Lannan, Sean Burnett and Ross Detwiler. ‘ZiMS fest 2010’ was a definite success both for the local MS chapters being awarded $30,000 each, as well as for the ZiMS, which raised over $200,00 for future investment in the fight against MS.
