S
an Diego Padres bullpen coach Darrel “Ak” Akerfelds, the longest-tenured member of the team’s
coaching staff, left us at the age of 50 on June 24, 2012 after an 18-month battle with pancreatic
cancer. The entire Padres organization and Major League Baseball lost a great friend and a true
hero with his passing.
In response to the loss of their friend and colleague, and with approval from his family, the Padres
established the Darrel Akerfelds #48 Legacy Fund at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The
Padres’ initial gift of $48,000—reflecting Darrel’s jersey number, 48—and subsequent donations
will help fund much-needed programs for those facing the disease and advance vital pancreatic cancer
research to uncover more effective treatments and, in time, a cure.
This tribute to Ak is just one part of the team’s
commitment to the community. The San Diego Padres
players and coaches, ownership and front office staff share
a long tradition of caring and giving.
The San Diego Padres and the Padres Foundation are
community assets in their region, committed to making
a meaningful and enduring impact on youth in the areas
of children’s health, education and recreation. They are
guided in this mission to inspire youth to LIVE a healthy
life, LEARN and PLAY by:
•
INVESTING in efforts that support youth in the
San Diego and Baja regions;
•
BUILDING community pride through positive
connections with fans, players and Padres staff;
•
LEADING the community through relevant and
visible programs and partnerships.
Active involvement in the community, volunteerism,
and generosity in sharing time, talent and treasure are
at the heart of the club’s philosophy and philanthropy.
The Padres Foundation for Children was established in
1995
and acts as the Club’s primary source of funding for
the outreach initiatives in the areas of children’s health,
education and recreation. The Foundation raises funds
through the generosity of corporate sponsorships and
through a number of fan programs such as Scoreboard
Surprises, an online charitable auction, the Shirts Off Their
Backs fundraiser and an annual Padres Foundation Garage Sale.
The Padres Foundation is a fund of The San Diego Foundation, a non-profit public charity.