Philadelphia Phillies donate $40,000 to local nonprofit

A Tampa Bay nonprofit focused on creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities received a $40,000 grant from Phillies Charities, Inc. April 15. Help Us Gather (HUG) was recognized at the Philadelphia Phillies’ Community Heroes Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, against the San Francisco Giants.

HUG founder Robin Lally and approximately 50 guests attended the event in person. Phillies Charities, Inc. annually awards 35 grants to organizations making significant community impacts.

Founded seven years ago, HUG organizes social programs for people with disabilities throughout the Tampa Bay area. The nonprofit maintains a community calendar listing accessible events. It also hosts “The Friends of HUG Social Group,” a popular monthly gathering for adults with disabilities.

The group’s latest event was held at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater April 11. Participants attended a baseball game featuring the Clearwater Threshers, a minor league affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. This marked the sixth consecutive year that HUG members attended a Threshers game.

Robert Stretch, Community Engagement & Media Manager for the Clearwater Threshers, praised HUG’s community impact. “We have members of the Threshers’ family who are also part of the HUG family,” Stretch said in a provided statement. “Phillies Charities grants celebrate organizations like HUG that go above and beyond in our community.”

In recent years, HUG has experienced significant growth. Monthly events now regularly attract about 200 participants. Events are free for attendees with disabilities, requiring HUG to depend on fundraising and community donations.

“Receiving a grant of this size is truly a game changer,” said Lally. She added that the funding allows HUG to continue expanding its free programs.

Lally recalled the moment she learned about the grant from Stretch. “I nearly dropped the phone,” she said. “It was such a joyful, surreal moment.”

With the new funding, HUG plans to strengthen advocacy efforts and expand both online and in-person programs. More information about the nonprofit’s activities is available at www.helpusgather.org.