The 31st Annual Red Sox Celebrity Classic series presented by Ambitrans Ambulance kicked off in February to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

Events included the Boston “Tee” Party and the annual Golf Tournament, both held in February and hosted at The Forest Country Club. The final event of the series, Dinner on the Diamond, will be held March 19 at JetBlue Park.

The series kicked off Feb. 15 with the Tee Party, which included live and silent auctions, with autographed sports and entertainment memorabilia, fine jewelry and spa and destination packages. Red Sox pitchers Lucas Giolito and Zack Kelly were on hand to mingle with guests and sign autographs.

On Feb. 16, the sold-out, 31st Annual Celebrity Golf Classic included Boston Red Sox players and mascot Wally for a day of competitive golf followed by dinner.

This year, the event series supports the development of the new Golisano Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery Center. Last year, approximately 4,200 outpatient pediatric surgeries and procedures were performed at HealthPark Medical Center to treat fractures, tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, ENT conditions, orthopedic maladies and appendectomies.

The new surgery center will provide world-class, compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Details and timeline for construction of the 40,000-square-foot, one-story center, which is expected to cost about $40 million, are still being determined. When it opens, it is expected to include four operating rooms, two endoscopy rooms and numerous exam rooms, recovery bays and pre-op rooms. An estimated $15-20 million is needed from philanthropy to fund medical equipment and furnishings for the center.

For more information and to register for Dinner on the Diamond or to donate, visit leehealthfoundation.org/event/redsox/.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is nationally recognized for the quality care of pediatric patients. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only recognized children’s hospital in Southwest Florida. Named a U.S. News Top Pediatric Hospital in 2022, as well as a 2022 Leapfrog Top Children’s Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital serves more than 45,000 patients every year in relation to more than 30 specialty pediatric services such as cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and more. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which offers 135-beds and includes comprehensive pediatric services such as a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.