“We all grew up in these areas, and we saw how much people were struggling and how much help people needed,” Yelich tells PEOPLE about why he got a “group text” going with his teammates and friends to think of ways to help out.
He adds, “We didn’t know how California Strong would develop to what it is today, but we just wanted to help out and get people back on their feet from losing everything in their lives.”
Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich, Mike Moustakas and Ryan Braun.California Strong/Instagram
Adam Sandler,Jamie Foxx,Brad Paisley,Charlie Sheen,Rob Riggle,Patrick Schwarzenegger,Mira Sorvino,Matt Leinart,Rainn Wilson,Whitney Cummingsand more are also set to put their best foot forward in the game.
“It’s been great to see support from the community and people really rallying around each other to help out those who need it,” Yelich tells PEOPLE.
On the evening of Nov. 7, aMarine Corps veteranentered Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, andopened fire on a crowdenjoying themselves during “College Country Night,”killing 12and wounding a dozen more.
“I woke up to the news of the shooting,” Yelich says. “I used to go to [Borderline] all the time, so it hits home a little more when it’s right there in your hometown down the street from where you live, where you grew up.”
Hours away in Northern California, the Camp Fire broke out that same day, burning 153,336 acres, destroying 18,804 structures and killing 81 people.
“Through the YMCA we have been able to identify families that need the help and make sure 100 percent of the money donated is going towards the right cause,” Yelich says about partnering with theSoutheast Ventura County YMCA. “It’s our way of ensuring to the people who donated that their money is actually going to what they were donating to.”
Aside from cheering on the celebrities and all-star sports players during the star-studded softball game, the event will feature a surprise musical guest, food trucks, an interactive kids zone, special VIP offerings (with the purchase of a VIP admission ticket), and a flyover presentation with four World War II planes.
General admission tickets areon sale now for $25.
source: people.com
