PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — From former Phillies players to Philadelphians, more than 300 people will give up their beds and “sleep out” at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday night to support youth facing homelessness.
“We only do it for a night,” said former Phillies manager Larry Bowa. “I can’t imagine some of these young adults doing this 365 days, and I feel sorry for them.”
“It’s so nice to be able to give back and help and really learn and understand what they’ve gone through,” said Megan McGowan, who raised more than $21,000.
The Phillies and Covenant House Pennsylvania, which provides shelter and services to homeless and trafficked youth, teamed up in hopes of raising more awareness and funds.
The Phillies are the first team to host the “Sleep Out” at a major league baseball field, which helped make this year’s event the biggest in Pennsylvania since 2011.
“The athletes have special platforms and help raise awareness of important issues, and that’s exactly what we do,” said Phillies CEO and Managing Partner John Middleton.
The event raised over $1 million for the more than 10,000 young people facing homelessness in the city.
“It’s going to be able to help house thousands of young people in this coming year, but also give them the opportunity to thrive through educational and employment programs,” said Covenant House President Bill Bedrossian.
Whitney Moore, who was a resident at Covenant House as a teenage mother, says these donations will help change more lives.
“If it hadn’t been for them, I don’t know where myself and my family would be, honestly,” said Moore. “Just not having to worry about the basic need of food, shelter – that kind of stuff – really gave me an opportunity to focus on finishing college and being a mom.”
This community team is taking the field with a greater purpose to show the youth – they care.
“Give them a little bit of hope to fight another day, to fight another month, year, until hopefully a situation comes about that can be better,” said former player Cole Hamels. “As human beings, if we can promote that, that’s the best thing.”
The “Sleep Out” ends at 7 a.m.
To learn how you can donate, click here.
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