MLB star David Wright hosts CHKD event

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - New York Mets player and Hampton Roads native David Wright hosted the CHKD Annual Vegas Night Fundraiser Friday evening.

The Fox 43 TV/WAVY News 10 sponsored event was held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

From black jack to throwing dice or rowdy horse races, casino games are all about beating the odds,  something kids at Children's Hospital of the The King's Daughters try to do every day.

"We have children who come to the hospital who sometimes have long odds on having a good, successful life ahead," President and CEO of CHKD Jim Dahling said.

Every year, Wright hosts the CHKD fundraiser to help kids keep beating those odds.

"Even before I had the necessary means or funds to put on events like this, I enjoyed going to the hospital and meeting with the kids," Wright said. "There would be times where we would try to gather Christmas gifts for the kids during the holidays."

During the event, Wright honored FOX 43/WAVY News 10 General Manager Doug Davis with a certificate of appreciation.

Sportswrap's Bruce Rader also attended the event. Wright invited other Major League Baseball players to bring in funds for a cause he said is close to his heart.

"Just hanging out with the kids and seeing how they are such in good spirits going through the process they are going through, it really cheers your day up, " Wright said.

The money raised at the event will help CHKD stay on the cutting edge of medical technology and make sure more kids in Hampton Roads can use their services.

"We look to build medical office buildings, open office sites, bring pediatricians closer to where people live so that mom does not have to jump in the car with a sick child and drive all the way across Hampton Roads to get care," Dahling said.

Last year, the event raised more than $136,000 for CHKD.

Wright is hoping they raise even more this year.