Hutch Award Luncheon raises more than $360,000

The annual Hutch Award® Luncheon Jan. 26 drew more than 750 people and raised more than $360,000, a record, for The Gregory Fund® supporting the Hutchinson Center’s early cancer detection research.

A smiling, humble Tim Hudson, All-Star starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, accepted the 46th annual Hutch Award from Dr. Larry Corey, Center president and director, during the luncheon on the outfield grass at Safeco Field.

The Hutch Award is given annually to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of legendary baseball player and manager and our namesake, Fred Hutchinson. Tim Hudson has been a staple of the Braves’ pitching rotation since joining the team just prior to the 2005 season. In 2008 Hudson underwent an extensive reconstructive surgery on his right elbow, but he returned to become more dominant than ever during the 2010 season, earning his third All-Star selection. 

Through the Hudson Family Foundation, Hudson and his wife, Kim, work with kids and families to ease the financial and emotional burdens of critical illnesses.

Earlier in the day, they visited the Hutch School accompanied by luncheon keynote speaker and baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan. The baseball players signed autographs and answered questions for the students, who are cancer patients or family members of patients.