Balloons released at the Parade Against Child Abuse |
Take me out to the ballgame is exactly what Children’s
Fund did on Tuesday, April 23, hosting THINK Together children, the Boys &
Girls Club and the winners of Our Children Are Our Future Contest at the 66ers
games at San Manuel Stadium. And, a good time was had by all.
Winners of Our Children Are Our Future with 66ers Mark Sappington |
Eden Cervantes of Redlands and Chloe Liv of San
Bernardino were the grand prize winners and had the honor of leading the Parade
Against Child Abuse with mascot Bernie, and throwing out the first pitches of
the game. Their family and friends were
also treated to food fitting for a ballgame…hotdogs, peanuts and crackerjacks.
Of the 322 entries received, there were two grand prize
winners and 9 runners-up. All winners
received 10 tickets to the game so their family and friends could join them. Eden Cervantes, who wants to be an architect
had never tossed a pitch before. “I was
nervous, but it was fun,” Cervantes exclaimed. Chloe Liv, who intends
to become a lawyer,
enjoyed taking a picture
with 66ers Mark Sappington.
Boys & Girls Club enjoy the 66ers Game |
“It was such a special event,” states Erin Phillips,
president & CEO of Children’s Fund. “All of the kids had a great time, and it
shows the importance of families spending quality time together. They are strong and deserve a bright future.” As the children entered the stadium they
received Children’s Fund balloons to be released during the parade and neon
bracelets.
Runners-up to the contest were Jessica Stephenson of Loma
Linda who wants to be a marine biologist; Margaret Marin of Colton who will strive
to be a pastry chef; Xiomara Flores of Redlands will become a teacher; Bailey
Revetta of Colton will work hard to be a pediatric oncologist; Mario Jesus Pena
of Colton will become a firefighter; Ella Ransaw of Redlands wants to be a
physical therapist; Anthony Sanchez of San Bernardino will help others by
becoming a doctor, Valerie Romero of Colton wants to be a Navy Seal like her
uncle; and Nicolo Moralde of Highland will keep the country safe by becoming a
Marine.