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Turn 2 Holiday Express 2012 - New York City

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On Dec. 5, 2012, Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees brought holiday cheer to more than 600 New York City children at the 2012 Turn 2 Holiday Express at Yankee Stadium. The New York Jeter's Leaders hosted a carnival for children, ages 7-13, involved in the Turn 2 Foundation's Signature Programs. The evening ended with a surprise visit from Derek Jeter and Santa, who presented each child with a special holiday gift bag.

"This event is special for the Foundation and our family," said Jeter. "The holidays are special for everyone, but most of all they should be special for children."

The Turn 2 Holiday Express is one of the activities created by Derek Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation to reward children involved in Turn 2's Signature Programs, who are demonstrating positive behavior, academic excellence and leadership qualities in school and their communities. Turn 2 will host holiday events in West Michigan and Tampa, Fla., later in the month. In total, Derek Jeter and the Turn 2 Foundation will reach more than 1,000 children from Turn 2's year-round programs.

All of the gift bags that were distributed by Derek were assembled by the New York Jeter's Leaders at their annual holiday party on Nov. 28 at Yankee Stadium. The gift bags contained items generously donated by the Yankees and sponsors of the Turn 2 Foundation.

Jeter's Leaders are high school students recognized for their academic achievements, extracurricular activities and community service and are responsible for delivering a positive message to their peers.

Derek started the Turn 2 Foundation in 1996, his rookie year. The Foundation has awarded more than $16 million in grants to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to "Turn 2" healthy lifestyles. The Turn 2 Foundation's programs and activities all share the same goal of helping today's youth become the leaders of tomorrow!