A local 8-year-old threw out the first pitch at a Boston Red Sox spring training game at JetBlue Park on March 1. The special pitch was made possible thanks to a partnership between Hooters and Valerie’s House.

“Every spring training season, we enjoy the opportunity to sponsor and be involved with the game day activations, including the experience of throwing out the first pitch. We enjoy sharing this experience with kids from our community charity partners. Watching the kids on the field throw out the first pitch and cheering them on is always a favorite of the Hooters Girls, Hootie, our store managers and all the fans who are in attendance,” said Kristi Quarles, director of marketing at Hooters of South Florida.

Christian Bernard, 8, threw the pitch. Several Hooters Girls from Fort Myers joined him on the field for the game. Hooters partners with Valerie’s House for monthly visits by Fort Myers and Port Charlotte Hooters employees.

Valerie’s House has locations in Fort Myers, Naples, Charlotte County and Pensacola. According to its website, “Valerie’s House is a special place where children connect with one another and learn the tools to heal after they have experienced the death of someone they love.”