Paul and Amy Goldschmidt had high hopes for their first Goldy’s Bowling Bash in the fall of 2016. At the same time, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
But the event raised $186,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital and attracted the likes of Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies, and Goldschmidt’s teammates, David Peralta and Shelby Miller. D-backs executive J.J. Putz and former D-back Justin Upton stopped by as well.
“I was fortunate to have the support of the athletes on the other teams, and baseball players and the local community, the sponsors who came in, and the people who attended. That definitely stuck out for me. My name is on the event and I was appreciative of all the support that everyone in the Valley gave me.”
In the hopes of raising more money for PCH, Goldy’s Bowling Bash is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, February 22, at Lucky Strike in Cityscape. The event starts with red carpet festivities at 5 p.m., the cocktail and bowling bash at 5:30 p.m., and then an after party in the Gypsy Lounge with dinner, drinks, DJ, silent auction and prizes for the best and most outrageous bowlers.
“We’re getting excited or this year’s event, and hopefully doing more great things,” Goldschmidt says. “It helps us spread the word about what’s needed at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and have some fun, too.”
The Goldschmidts have volunteered at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since December 2011, when the couple was looking for a way to be involved in the community.
“We didn’t know much about it,” says Goldschmidt, who grew up in Texas. “There are a lot of kids and families going through tough times. We wanted to do anything we could to brighten their day.
“Last year, we were part of the campaign for Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders, which opened in October. That’s where the money went to last year. There are a lot of great causes, but we’ve seen the impact that a few minutes of our time can have. We brighten the days of the patients and the families who are going through so much. We want to help them.”
Goldschmidt says the dynamics of helping Phoenix Children’s Hospital have changed since his first child, son, Jake, was born.
“It hit home a lot more, seeing the kids and the families going through some tough times,” he says. “The families and the patients, they motivate me. They’re so positive. I’ve never heard anyone complain. They’re in a lot of pain, but they’re so positive and happy.
“It keeps things in perspective. They motivate me knowing they’re watching us on TV, maybe even going to games. I just remember who’s watching and it gives me extra motivation on the field.”
That goes for most of the team. Many players take part in charitable efforts in front of the cameras and behind the scenes. Outfielder A.J. Pollock, for example, frequently visits Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Northeast Mesa.
“The group of players who the front office put together is a great group of guys,” Goldschmidt says.
“Off the field, they are doing great things, like A.J. There are a lot of other guys doing stuff, some public, some not. We try to help out. I see teammates helping teammates on the baseball field, spending time away helping kids, going around the Valley and helping out neighbors. Phoenix, as a community, is really tight-knit. We’re trying to help out any way we can.”
Goldy’s Bowling Bash has been moved closer to Spring Training to build up the excitement for the 2018 regular season.
“There will be more players in town who will want to attend the event, then also it’s a kickoff to the season with the beginning of Spring Training,” he says. “It made sense to move it. I was talking to other baseball players and they said they’ve done events during the baseball season. I didn’t want to do that. Spring Training was a good compromise.”
The forthcoming season is generating excitement for fans, after a successful 2017. Goldschmidt sees an even brighter future for the Diamondbacks.
“We had a good year, but we fell short of our goal,” he says. “I want to go further in the playoffs and win the World Series. I know everyone at the Diamondbacks is working hard in the offseason, getting ready for Spring Training.”
Goldy’s Bowling Bash, Lucky Strike, CityScape, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 240, Phoenix, 602.524.8557, goldysfund4kids.org, jmoser@rosemoserallynpr.com, 5 p.m. Thursday, February 22, tickets start at $500.
