Last Friday, Spurwink foster families and foster youth took advantage of free tickets to the Sea Dogs baseball game against the Reading Fightin’ Phils.
It was a sunny spring evening, and we gathered near the first base gate for a special treat—a chance to go on the field and parade around the bases before the game!
As more families arrived, excitement grew while the kids introduced themselves and impromptu games and races sprung up. Finally, they called Spurwink’s name and we marched out to cheers from the crowd!
The ballplayers were warming up as kids rode on parents’ shoulders, and at 2nd base, Slugger the Sea Dog was there to high-five everyone as we walked past.
Asher had been chosen to throw the first pitch, which he had been thinking about all day. When the moment came, he was handed a red and white baseball and took his spot on the mound. Big windup and a great pitch, right into the catcher’s mitt! A grinning Asher came back to our group, proud owner of the ball he’d pitched.
Then it was time for everyone to find food and seats and cheer on our Portland Sea Dogs.
In addition to all the excitement, Spurwink had a table in the concourse, giving out water bottles and information about foster care.
We were touched by the number people who stopped by to tell us how Spurwink had helped their families. People praised our schools and our staff’s work with their son or daughter or a neighbor’s child. It was wonderful to hear such positive remarks about our work from the community and we greatly appreciate all the support.
The night ended with a spectacular fireworks show, as tired but happy families headed out for the drive home, kids falling asleep on the way.
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Rana O’Connor is the Resource Coordinator for Spurwink’s Treatment Foster Care Program