๐ฐ BREAKING NEWS: Former Angels Star Darin Erstad Donates Entire $100 Million to Build Housing and Shelters for the Homeless in Badgers
In a stunning act of generosity, former Los Angeles Angels All-Star Darin Erstad has reportedly donated his entire $100 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to a new housing initiative aimed at combating homelessness in the city of Badgers, California.
The project, titled โHome Run for Hope,โ will fund the construction of 150 affordable housing units and 300 new shelter beds, providing both short-term refuge and long-term stability for residents in need.
Erstad, known for his grit and leadership on the field, said during a press conference Friday morning,
โBaseball gave me everything. Itโs time I return the favor โ not to the game, but to the community that supported it. Everyone deserves a home plate.โ
According to city officials, the $100 million donation will be split between the Badgers Community Foundation and Hope Horizons, a local nonprofit specializing in transitional housing and rehabilitation programs. The first phase of construction is expected to break ground early next spring.
Mayor Lydia Ramos called Erstadโs donation โa game-changer โ literally.โ
โThis is one of the largest single private donations for homelessness relief in Californiaโs history,โ Ramos said. โDarinโs generosity will save lives.โ
The former center fielder, who retired from professional baseball in 2009, has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years. Sources close to Erstad say heโs been quietly involved in several community initiatives across the Midwest and West Coast, but this marks his most ambitious effort yet.
The Home Run for Hope complex will feature on-site counseling, job training, and youth sports programs, echoing Erstadโs belief that โdiscipline and teamwork can rebuild lives.โ
When asked what inspired the massive donation, Erstad smiled and said,
โYou canโt take it with you. But you can make sure someone else gets to come home.โ?
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