A Phillie “Fan”Tastic Event

Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd …

Thanks to several generous corporations, dozens of youth and adults with special needs were able to experience this favorite American pastime, many for the first time – and in style!

Youth from the Masonic Children’s Home and adult residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage traveled by charter bus to Philadelphia to watch the Philadelphia Phillies win against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, June 30, at Citizens Bank Park. They were joined in a private suite by Masonic Villages and Grand Lodge leadership, as well as Masonic Children’s Home staff and board members.

Attendees enjoyed the nail-biting game from the comfort of a private, air-conditioned room, while devouring catered ballpark favorites, like chicken fingers, popcorn and Philly cheesesteaks. The Phillie Phanatic mascot even paid them a visit!

“It was a celebration of the end of the year,” said Brother Mark R. Kurzenknabe, Director
of the Masonic Children’s Home.

“It was really nice to see the children enjoying the game. It’s an experience they might not get otherwise.”

Charles, 12, said it was his first time attending a professional sporting event, and as a Philadelphia sports fan, he was thrilled.

“My favorite part was when Brandon Marsh hit a triple decker, when they got a home run and when [the Phillies] came back to win the game,” he said. “I probably would never get this experience any other time, so I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Calvin, 18, said he also had a great time at the game. “It was really competitive and fun,” he
said. “I enjoyed hanging out with my friends, and my friend Nathan was teaching me the
rules of the game so I could learn more.”

He said he was thankful for the support from donors to provide this experience.

“I really appreciate it. I thank them for everything they do for me and everyone else at the children’s home.”

The residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, which provides compassionate care for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities, also enjoyed the outing.

“The game was so much fun!” Chris, a cottage resident, said. “Everyone had a great day,
and the Phillies came back to win!”

Holly, another cottage resident, said, “I had a blast! I met new people, and we all got to cheer on our favorite team.”

A HUGE thank you to Christenson Investment Partners, Boyd Watterson Asset Management, National Investment Services and Mill Creek Capital Advisors for providing this amazing opportunity!