Lexus to support The Greater Boston Food Bank in second annual Strike Out Hunger program

BOSTON, April 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, Lexus is teaming up with the New England Sports Network (NESN) to launch the Strike Out Hunger program in an effort to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief across Eastern Massachusetts.

Strike Out Hunger is a fundraising campaign where Lexus donates $50 to The Greater Boston Food Bank every time a Boston pitcher strikes out the opposing team's hitter. The initiative launches on Opening Day and runs through all games in the 2017 Major League Baseball regular season.

The second annual Strike Out Hunger campaign follows a highly successful inaugural year in 2016, with Lexus donating $68,100 and 1,300 pounds of food to The Greater Boston Food Bank for 1,362 Boston pitcher strikeouts. The contribution provided more than 200,000 healthy meals to those in need across Eastern Massachusetts.

"Lexus is proud to be making a real impact to our neighbors in need with the second annual Strike Out Hunger program," said Damon Rose, Lexus Eastern Area general manager. "With one in 10 residents in the local community at risk of hunger, initiatives like this are more important than ever. We're thrilled to bring Strike Out Hunger back to the greater Boston area after a successful first year, and are cheering for even more strikeouts in 2017!"

"We are thrilled to work with Lexus and NESN again for Strike Out Hunger," said Catherine D'Amato, president and CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank. "Last year, donations from this fundraiser made a huge impact across Eastern Massachusetts and the partnership brought new awareness to fans around hunger in our communities. We're looking forward to this season – go Sox!"

Lexus will also host food drives for The Greater Boston Food Bank throughout the month of June at six Boston area dealers. Items donated to Ira Lexus of Manchester will benefit The New Hampshire Food Bank.

• Herb Chambers Lexus
• Herb Chambers Lexus of Hingham
• Ira Lexus
• Ira Lexus of Manchester
• Lexus of Northborough
• Lexus of Watertown

Non-perishable food items are the most desirable donations, including most grains, and canned protein, milk, fruit and vegetables. For guidelines and additional ways to get involved, please visit http://www.gbfb.org/how-to-help/donate.php.

About Lexus
Lexus' passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 237 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

About The Greater Boston Food Bank
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. GBFB provides the equivalent of nearly 48 million healthy meals annually, distributed through its network of 530 member agencies across Eastern Massachusetts. GBFB operates four direct service programs at nearly 70 sites throughout the area. A member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network, GBFB serves more than 140,000 people every month in its goal to create a hunger-free Eastern Massachusetts. For more information, visit us at GBFB.org, become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@gr8bosfoodbank), or call us at 617.427.5200.

About NESN
NESN has consistently been one of the top-rated regional sports networks in the country with award-winning Red Sox and Bruins coverage. The network is delivered to over 4 million homes throughout the six-state New England region and an additional 5 million homes nationally as NESN National. Forbes Magazine recently ranked NESN as the 10th Most Valuable Sports Business Brand in the World. NESN.com is one of the Top 15 sports web sites in the U.S. and recently launched NESN Fuel, an automotive enthusiast, car buyers, and racing fan website. NESN's social responsibility program, NESN Connects, is proud to support and connect its employees with charitable organizations in our communities including the Greater Boston Food Bank since 2008. NESN is owned by Fenway Sports Group (owners of the Boston Red Sox) and Delaware North (owners of the Boston Bruins).

SOURCE Lexus