Mets Community Insider

Mets Ownership, General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen, Manager Mickey Callaway and his coaches and players joined fans for the Mets Foundation's annual gala, Summer in the Citi, presented by Alliance Building Services. The event raised more than $700,000 for the Mets Foundation, which funds and promotes a variety of educational, social and athletic programs and other charitable causes.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the warning track with cuisine from Mets culinary partners including Josh Capon, Pat LaFrieda, Michael White and Dave Pasternack.

The Mets honored The Mary Brennan INN with the Ya Gotta Believe! Award, the largest private social service agency on Long Island that fights hunger, homelessness and poverty. The Ya Gotta Believe Award is an award given annually to an individual within or associated with the Mets family who has shown an exceptional commitment to the community, fortitude in overcoming adversity, and the spirit to believe that anything is possible.

Mets players Steven Matz and Michael Conforto were honored at the dinner for their work in the community. Steven was presented a gift from the FDNY in honor of his Tru32 program and Michael received a gift from NYU Winthrop for his support of pediatric cancer awareness.

At the conclusion of the fundraising dinner, guests enjoyed a very special firework show on the field.

Michael Conforto hosted boys and girls battling cancer for the first installment of the Conforto Cares in partnership with Northwell Health. The kids were given a tour of Citi Field, the Mets clubhouse and scoreboard operations where they were able to put up the Home Run Apple in centerfield.

After their tour, the group took batting practice in the Mets indoor batting cages and enjoyed lunch with Michael. Each child received a gift bag with Mets gear and a Conforto Cares t-shirt.

Conforto Cares program focuses on bringing awareness to pediatric cancer and the challenges that the children and their families face each day.

The Mets hosted a Mets on the Move fitness clinic in partnership with Subway at Randall's Island with children from the Bowery Mission. Mets staff along with Mr. Met helped run different workout stations throughout the afternoon centered on fitness and fun. All the children received a Mets-themed prize and a free kids meal from Subway for completing the workout.

The Mets on the Move health and wellness program gives children a fun way to learn about fitness and inspires kids to stay active all year round.