The Guidance Center is a nonprofit
organization that leads 17 different programs for Somerville and
Cambridge children with "emotional and behavioral imbalances," said
Elizabeth Gilmore, co-president of the Center's board of directors.

Youkilis
was arranged to appear for the Center through a deal swung by board
member RoAnn Costin. Costin won two tickets to sit next to Youkilis at
Friday's Boston Celtics game through a Jimmy Fund auction, but after
winning Costin said she called Youkilis and offered a swap: she'd
forfeit the tickets if he came and spoke to the Center's kids.

Youkilis said he accepted her offer because he'd rather speak to kids than sit with strangers at a basketball game.

"It's
a lot of fun to see the smiles on their faces and that's why I came,"
he said. "To have fun for an hour and pretty much give the kids some
more joy this time of year."

Youkilis also heads his own charity, Hits for Kids, which funds six different charitable programs.

Four
young Somerville residents, Dylan Zarket, Michaela Wayshak, Lucas
Sargent and Nolan Alessandro, sat together and watched the door,
awaiting Youkilis' arrival. All four said they were big red sox fans.

Youkilis spoke about the importance of school and then fielded questions from the young crowd.

"Who are your best friends on the Red Sox?" asked Wayshak, a fifth-grader at the Healey School.

"Everyone is," Youkilis tactfully answered.

But
some of the Center's children showed the prowess of a seasoned
reporter: "Are you going to sign a long-term contract with the Boston
Red Sox?" asked one.