BGCBC Board Member PJ Loyello Runs For the Kids!

As an organization, the Marlins have been willing to go the extra mile for a good cause. In January 2018, former team president David Samson and several others tested their physical limits to do just that. And right in the mix was BGCBC board member PJ Loyello.

PJ along with a number of people associated with the Marlins participated on a team called "Hold the Plane," which competed in this year's World Marathon Challenge to raise money for charity.

The demanding event required participants to complete seven marathons in seven days, traveling to every corner of the globe. The team was comprised of a mix of individuals representing all walks of life, including a Major League Baseball All-Star, former team president, Boston Marathon race director, Paralympian triathlete and reality TV star. The challenge began in Antarctica on Jan. 30, 2018, and concluded in Miami on Feb. 5.

Along with Loyello and Samson, team "Hold the Plane" included former Marlins All-Star Jeff Conine, Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill, Dave McGillivray, Sarah Reinertsen, Sarah Lacina, Mikayla Wingle, Bret Parker, Brad Miller, John Silverman, Dr. Debra Carneol, Josh Cohen, Josh Samson, Mitch Moser and Cara Nelson.

“Team Hold the Plane” announced that all proceeds from charitable donations would go to the following causes: Marlins Foundation, Camp Interlaken JCC, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Jewish Federation of Broward County, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, The ALS Association, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Martin Richard Foundation, Conine Clubhouse and Stand Up to Cancer and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.

At a recent BGCBC board meeting, PJ asked for time in front of the board to talk about this journey and what he experienced during those 7 days. He also announced that as part of the funds raised, “Team Hold the Plane” and the Miami Foundation would be making a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County in the amount of $100,000! Said Brian Quail, President/CEO, “We are beyond grateful to PJ and his team for this wonderful gift. We know how much PJ cares for the organization and how hard he works to help make a difference not just in the lives of our members, but to everyone in the community.”

Thank you PJ for going the “extra mile” to help our kids!