Red Sox Star Third Baseman is Recipient of Annual Golden Door Award

BOSTON, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Institute, an 84 year-old non-profit organization that helps immigrants and refugees successfully integrate into New England, will honor Boston Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell at its annual Golden Door Award fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 26, at Fenway Park. The public is invited to the 1 pm luncheon and children are welcome.

The Golden Door Award ceremony each year honors a citizen of foreign birth or first generation heritage. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to American society through a life of reputation, civic accomplishment and character. Previous recipients include I. M. Pei, Yo-Yo Ma, Arthur Fiedler, George Hatsopoulos, Arthur Loeb and Ben Zander.

"This year's award ceremony will be different in that it's definitely not a black-tie affair," said Carolyn Benedict-Drew, president of the International Institute. "But we couldn't have asked for a more appropriate recipient or a better setting for this important event."

Lowell will be honored during the luncheon ceremony at Fenway's State Street Pavillion before the Sox take on the New York Yankees for the final homestand of the season. The proceeds from the Golden Door Award ceremony -- the signal fundraising event for the International Institute -- provide crucial support for its mission of aid to refugees who seek a new life in America.

Individual and group tickets are available as well many corporate and philanthropic sponsorship opportunities. Information can be found at http://www.iiboston.org/events/gda08.html, or contact Irene Gambone at 617-695-9990 ext. 153.