(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Eric Berry to host event featuring Eric Hosmer and Victor Ortiz to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

Kansas City, Mo. -- (Thursday, February 16, 2012) – Kansas City Chief Safety and Pro Bowler Eric Berry will be hosting his second annual Man 2 Man event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City (BBBS-KC) on Thursday, April 19 at Arrowhead’s North Club. This year his guests will include new BBBS-KC spokesperson and Kansas City Royal Eric Hosmer and Welterweight boxer Victor Ortiz. Steven St. John of WHB 810 Radio will co-host the night with Eric Berry and Kansas City Star Sports Columnist Sam Mellinger will share his personal experience as a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program .

Eric Berry announced his involvement with BBBS-KC at last year’s inaugural Man 2 Man event that raised over $40,000 for BBBS-KC. This men’s only event features up close and personal interviews with Berry, Hosmer and Ortiz, open bar, cigars, locker room tours, a live auction and a reverse raffle.

“Last year’s inaugural event raised over $40,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Berry. “This year we are upping the ante by adding Eric Hosmer and Victor Ortiz to the mix. I’m honored to be hosting this event with these two extraordinary athletes to benefit a cause that is close to my heart.”

This event will kick off Eric Hosmer’s commitment to BBBS-KC. Hosmer will become a BBBS-KC spokesperson, helping the agency recruit more volunteers, raise money for the organization and interact with “Bigs” and Littles”.

“Growing up in Florida I had the good fortune of having an older brother who showed me the ropes,” said Hosmer. “Now that I’m older and in a position to help, I’m excited to be someone that the kids in the Kansas City area can look up to and it’s an honor for me to support such an outstanding organization.”

Victor Ortiz became a celebrity ambassador for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in August 2011. Ortiz is originally from Garden City, Kansas and has an inspirational life story that he will share at the event.

"Working with Big Brothers Big Sisters is perfect for me because I can relate to where the kids in the program are coming from - I grew up in a broken home and by the time I was 13 years old, both of my parents had left," said 25-year-old Ortiz. "I'm happy to be a part of an organization that gives kids a greater chance to succeed and inspires them to believe they can achieve great things."

Tickets are on sale now for $300 each or tables of four for $1,000. Proceeds will benefit BBBS-KC. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. Visit bbbskc.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to improve children’s odds for succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles. Learn how you can change how children grow up in America by going to BigBrothersBigSisterskc.org.

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