The Texas Rangers have given Nelson Cruz the 2012 Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award.
Here is more from the Rangers on Cruz's honor:
The Rangers also announced today that Nelson Cruz has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award. The award is presented annually to a member of the Rangers organization who has made a significant contribution in the community.
For the last two years, Cruz has donated funds and participated in activities as part of the Texas Rangers Foundation’s partnership with Matthew and Camila McConaughey and their just keep livin foundation. The partnership includes the creation an after-school program centered on nutrition, exercise and wellness for high school students in Arlington, Dallas, and Fort Worth. The program has had a dramatic impact over the last two years.
In 2012, Cruz made a significant donation towards the purchase of a fire truck for the city of Las Matas Santa Cruz in the Dominican Republic. He also helped facilitate the donation of two ambulances donated by American Medical Response to Las Matas Santa Cruz, which is located near Cruz’ hometown of Montecristy, DR. The project was initiated by Cruz with assistance from the Arlington Fire Department in the spring with the vehicles presented to Las Matas Santa Cruz in September.
Cruz will receive his award at the 2013 Texas Rangers Dr Pepper Awards Show, which will be held in conjunction with Texas Rangers Fan Fest on Friday, January 11 at the Arlington Convention Center. Other award winners include Player of the Year Adrian Beltre, Pitcher of the Year Matt Harrison, Rookie of the Year Yu Darvish, and Harold McKinney Good Guy Award recipient Joe Furukawa. Other award winners will be announced in upcoming weeks. Tickets for Fan Fest, which will take place January 11-12, are on sale at texasrangers.com/fanfest or by calling 972-RANGERS.
