Diamondbacks’ Community Impact: Inspiring Stories Behind $93 Million in Charitable Giving
The Diamondbacks organization has made significant contributions to the community, totaling around $93 million in charitable giving since 1998, with a goal to surpass $100 million by 2025. The real impact of their efforts can be seen through individual stories.
One story is about a 10-year-old boy named Moise, a refugee from Uganda. In 2024, Moise attended his first baseball game as a guest of the D-backs. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo noticed Moise and connected with him by touching hands through the netting. Moise excitedly mentioned to the senior vice president of corporate and community impact, Debbie Castaldo, “He looks like me!”
Perdomo later invited Moise to lunch at the ballpark and even took him onto the field to teach him how to play baseball. “This little boy found baseball, a role model, and someone who looks like him,” said Castaldo. Moise now proudly wears a Perdomo jersey.
Castaldo appreciates the support from ownership and the players, such as right-hander Zac Gallen. Gallen focuses on fighting hunger in Arizona. He raised $100,000 for St. Mary’s Food Bank, helping provide meals for food-insecure children through his Zac Gallen 23 Charitable Fund.
How do Diamondbacks players contribute to community engagement and support?
Interview with Debbie Castaldo, Senior Vice President of Corporate and Community Impact for the Arizona Diamondbacks
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Debbie. The Diamondbacks have a remarkable history of charitable contributions. Can you elaborate on the organization’s impact since 1998?
Debbie Castaldo: Absolutely. Since 1998, the Diamondbacks organization has contributed around $93 million to various charitable causes. Our goal is to surpass the $100 million mark by 2025. This is not just about numbers; it’s about how these contributions change lives. We focus on creating meaningful connections in our community, and the impact is often best illustrated by individual stories.
News Directory 3: One such inspiring story is that of young Moise. Can you share more about his experience and its significance?
Debbie Castaldo: Moise is a 10-year-old refugee from Uganda who attended his first baseball game thanks to the Diamondbacks. During the game, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo noticed him and made a connection by touching hands through the netting. Moise excitedly exclaimed, “He looks like me!” This simple interaction meant the world to him. Following the game, Perdomo invited Moise to lunch at the ballpark and taught him how to play baseball on the field. It’s a beautiful testament to how sports can bridge gaps and provide role models for kids.
News Directory 3: It’s heartwarming to see such connections. Can you speak to the support from players like Zac Gallen and Corbin Carroll?
Debbie Castaldo: Both Zac and Corbin are exemplary in their dedication to the community. Zac actively fights hunger in Arizona; he recently raised $100,000 for St. Mary’s Food Bank, which serves countless food-insecure children. Corbin, through his CC7 Charitable Fund, supports various programs for children and generously donates sports equipment to those in need. His hands-on approach of volunteering regularly further solidifies his role as a positive influence in our community.
News Directory 3: Manager Torey Lovullo also plays a significant role, doesn’t he?
Debbie Castaldo: Yes, Torey’s Kindness Champions program is an amazing initiative that rewards students for showing kindness. It encourages young people to develop positive behaviors and highlights the importance of community engagement. All of our players contribute in diverse ways, and that collective commitment makes a real difference.
News Directory 3: Recently, the D-backs showed appreciation for their fans’ support. Can you detail that initiative?
Debbie Castaldo: We recently posted on Instagram, thanking our fans for their support by committing to donate $5 to Arizona food banks for every interaction the post receives. It’s a way to engage with our fans and, at the same time, support critical causes like food insecurity in our state. Community engagement is a two-way street, and we rely on our fans just as much as they rely on us.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Debbie, for sharing these invaluable insights. It’s clear the Diamondbacks’ commitment to the community is profound and impactful.
Debbie Castaldo: Thank you for having me. We’re incredibly proud of our impact and will continue to strive to make a difference in Arizona communities.
Outfielder Corbin Carroll also shows commitment to the community. His CC7 Charitable Fund supports programs for children. Carroll volunteers regularly and donates sports equipment to kids who need it. Castaldo praises his dedication and the positive influence he brings.
Manager Torey Lovullo engages with the community through his Kindness Champions program, rewarding students for kind behavior. Many players contribute to various projects, making a difference in people’s lives.
Recently, the D-backs thanked fans through an Instagram post, committing to donate $5 to Arizona food banks for every interaction the post receives.