Hot Stove concert helps raise $500,000 for youth, families

When baseball collides with music and entertainers, charitable donations score big.

The seventh annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago concert, which featured Cubs president Theo Epstein, Baseball Hall of Fame writer Peter Gammons, Cubs announcer Len Kasper and The Orwells as part of an all-star lineup, recently raised nearly $500,000 for Chicago and Boston Area youth and families.

The June 8 event, which was emceed by former Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, included music performances, a raffle and live auction featuring signed music and sports memorabilia. Cubs manager Joe Maddon and first baseman Anthony Rizzo also attended the event, which celebrates music, baseball and giving back. Proceeds support Cubs Charities and Epstein's Foundation To Be Named Later. For more details, visit www.foundationtobenamedlater.org.