For The Almanac

writer@thealmanac.net

Start with a really big parking lot, then bring in nearly 400 kids and their families, combine with a huge helping of tailgate party with lots of great food, plus tickets to a baseball game on a beautiful summer night, with prizes, the chance to party with the baseball team's mascot and play some funny games on the field between innings and what do you get?

In celebration of "Tickets for Kids Charities Night" at the game, PMTA hosted the tailgate feast for the special attendees in the parking lot at Consol Energy Park before a Wild Things game recently.

"This is big undertaking, since we're all volunteers and the food is all donated or prepared by our volunteers," said Don Carpenter, Sr., PMTA board member, president of Trux Transportation, Bridgeville - and head tailgate chef.

"But the looks on those kids' faces as they enjoyed the food, the game and all the activities make us ready to do it again."

The children and their families were identified by Tickets for Kids Charities, a nonprofit charity that works with more than 900 social service agencies that serve lower income families throughout our region. Since 1994, Tickets for Kids has been creating opportunities for area children and their families to attend arts and cultural, educational, sporting and family entertainment events that they would otherwise not experience.

A number of kids won the chance to participate in the on-field activities taking place before and during the game. Many participated in the "Field of Dreams," which allowed them to be on the field during the singing of the national anthem with the players. Others had fun getting wet playing the water balloon toss, danced with the "Wild Thing" mascot on top of the dugout and 7-year old Tyree Hickman from Verona, had the chance to throw out one of the honorary first pitches.

Even though the Wild Things lost to the Windy City Thunderbolts 22-7, everyone had a great time, and according to Vera Marelli, program director for Tickets for Kids Charities. "We had so many kids and parents come up and thank Tickets for Kids Charities for the great evening they had. We're so grateful for the continued support from our friends at PMTA for making this event possible. They understand how much these moments really matter!"

Tickets for Kids Charities relies on the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations for tickets and contributions to make these and other opportunities possible.

In 2007, Tickets for Kids Charities included 211,000 children and their families in over 7,600 events. For more information about Tickets for Kids Charities, call 412-781-KIDS or visit www.ticketsforkids.org