Posted 8/8/2025
Miracle-League-Wrap-Up
Miracle League Moon Season Wrap-Up
It’s been another unforgettable season for the Miracle League! Each week, players took to the field with big smiles reminding us all what joy, friendship, and inclusion are all about. We’re so thankful for the dedicated staff who helped make each game day run smoothly, from setting up the field to cheering in the stands, their support means the world. A big thank you also goes out to the volunteers and families who showed up week after week. Most of all, we want to celebrate our incredible players. Their excitement, sportsmanship, and love for baseball are what make Miracle League so special. The season ended with a pizza party and medal presentation.
We’re already looking forward to the fall season and can’t wait to see everyone back on the field!
Annual Summer Celebration
The Zapp and Kennedy Program Centers recently hosted their Annual Summer Celebration with a festive Hawaiian Luau theme. Allegheny and Beaver Counties group homes were welcomed with valet parking and colorful leis upon arrival, setting the tone for a day of fun.
Guests participated in a wide range of engaging activities, including Coconut Bowling, Toss-a-Mingo, Hawaiian Hole-in-One, sand art, and the popular Luau Toss Game. The celebration also featured temporary tattoos, cotton candy, and refreshing snow cones from the lively Tiki Bar. To help everyone stay cool and hydrated, a dedicated Hydration Station offered water bottles and a cooling mister. A delicious cookout-style lunch was served, featuring charcoal-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, watermelon slices, baked beans, potato salad, applesauce, and cookies.
Following lunch, the party continued on the dance floor with DJ Joe spinning upbeat tunes that kept the energy high. For those who preferred a more relaxed pace, cookie decorating and bingo offered a fun alternative. As the event came to a close, each guest received a gift bag filled with prizes. The Luau celebration was a true success, filled with summertime fun.
Smurfs Movie
Cheryl, Tanya, Vicki, and staff Madison from Clearview home saw an afternoon showing of the movie Smurfs and loved it!
Walnut Creek Farm
A group from Coleman and Wildwood homes visited Walnut Creek Farm in Ohio’s Amish Country for a fun day trip. They enjoyed a drive-thru experience where they fed animals right from their car, followed by a picnic lunch at one of the farm’s pavilions.
Natural History Musuem
Dennis, Hugh, and Donald from Route 173 in Slippery Rock recently explored the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. They all enjoyed viewing the exhibits in the museum.
Pottery and the Park
Cindy, Deborah, Joan, Tricia, and Renee from Galey enjoyed a creative afternoon at Muddy Rose Pottery, followed by a visit to Tomlinson Run State Park.
Pirate Games
Individuals from the Slippery Rock area attended several Pirates games. Jen and Jen from the Centreville Pike SFR went on August 4 and cheered with joy when the Pirates won. Charlie from the Butler CLA house went on August 5, but unfortunately the Pirates lost. Regardless, Charlie had a great time at the game rooting for his team and enjoying some treats.
Splash Day
Tabitha Johnson picked a great day for Splash Day since the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The staff and individuals at Merakey AVS Veree Road Campus ventured outside and enjoyed the many festivals like Water Play, Sand Play, and Beach Bingo. Everyone enjoyed the music, the delicious food, and line dancing. The individuals worked together and had a great time.
Atlantic City Air Show
Staff and individuals enjoyed a fun filled day at the shore with their yearly trip to watch the Atlantic City Air show on the boardwalk. Many Veterans from around the world perform different tricks with their aircrafts as they rocket through the sky.
Turkey Hill Experience
On July 29th several individuals from Cap Region went to the Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster, PA. They looked at different interactive exhibits and got to create their own virtual ice cream flavor. The tour guide spoke about the history of Turkey Hill and how different products are made. They also got to sample iced tea and different ice creams. They had a great time!
CPS Carnival
On July 30, individuals from the Community Participation Supports (CPS) day and residential programs in Cambria and Allegheny Counties attended a Summer Carnival sponsored by The Merakey Foundation. The carnival provided fun for all ages; participants ranged in age from 21 – 70. The event allowed individuals in our care to enjoy a day of activities and snacks in a setting that was safe and accessible for their needs.
Brandy Noble was the ‘chief visionary’ who first dreamed of this event over a year ago. Jamie Walker and Holly Koban are so proud of their team for putting their heart and soul into exceptional care!
