ARLINGTON -- Rangers pitcher Corey Kluber is sidelined with a shoulder injury, but he and his wife, Amanda, are still working hard to make an impact on children through The Kluber Family Foundation.
The foundation announced that the inaugural 2020 Curveball for a Cause celebrity gala will be held Sept. 13 at the Live! by Loews hotel next to Globe Life Field. The event is part of the Kluber Family Foundation’s efforts to assist families with seriously and chronically ill children.
The Klubers, who have three children of their own, began the foundation while Corey was pitching with the Indians.
“Whether it was visiting hospitals, kids coming out to the stadium, we always felt the connection,” Kluber said. “There were kids going through a hard time with their families, so we just felt like we had an opportunity when we started the foundation to really focus on that area. We had some ideas that we felt were pretty cool and make their day better as they are going through that.”
Their own children are part of what motivates Corey and Amanda to devote time and resources to this project.
“Obviously, the situation that the children who are ill and dealing with is awful," Corey Kluber said. "It takes a toll on the family as well. Not only parents, but siblings. You have your own kids, so you can imagine what it’s like to go through that. Trying to provide relief or a smile goes a long way.”
Guests attending will enjoy a cocktail reception, a multi-course seated dinner and live entertainment. The event will feature silent and live auctions with rare memorabilia, plus once-in-a-lifetime experiences and trips.
Kluber and several Rangers teammates will make virtual appearances. All social distancing guidelines will be followed at Live! by Loewes, including contactless check-in with volunteers and vendors required to wear masks.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. CT and single tickets are available at $400 each. For fans who would like to support the Kluber Family Foundation but would prefer to do so from their home, a “Stay at Home” package also will be available at $250 per ticket.
“Obviously, it's not an ideal time or scenario to be doing that type of event,” Kluber said. “I'm sure that all the proper measures will be in place. There will be some creativity on the planning to try to still provide an enjoyable experience for people, a fun time, despite the fact that as players, we won't physically be able to be there because of the protocols. We'll do our best to make it the best that we can with these circumstances in place.
“It a fun night for everybody involved and a unique opportunity in different circumstances to meet and mingle with players.”
The foundation has two outreach programs: Kluber’s Kids and Kluber’s Corner. Kluber’s Kids was set up to host patients from North Texas children’s hospitals at Globe Life Field for a special day at the ballpark. When this is possible again, children and their friends and families will be able to meet the Klubers and other Rangers, watch batting practice, have dinner and enjoy the game.
Kluber’s Korner provides patients at children’s hospitals with access to electronics that provide entertainment, communication portals and a diversion during treatment and recovery. Children will have access to age-appropriate entertainment and learning devices.
Educational and entertainment opportunities are also provided to older patients and their families with access to iPads, notebook computers, tablet computers, portable DVD players, portable game systems and other electronics.