FLUSHING, NY – In spite of cold, rainy weather conditions, Loukoumi Day at Citi Field had an excellent turnout on September 9 for the New York Mets vs. the Philadelphia Phillies and the pre-game ceremony featuring the Loukoumi Foundation as the nonprofit of the game. During the on-field ceremony, the Mets Spirit Awards were presented to The Eastchester School District, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Queens Library, and the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York.
The Mets vs. Phillies was scheduled to begin at 1:10 PM, but a rain delay pushed the start back by about 30 minutes. Loukoumi Foundation President Nick Katsoris spoke with The National Herald at the game, noting the unfortunate weather conditions, but taking the time to visit with the supporters of the Foundation who braved the rain and winds to contribute to the worthy cause, acknowledge its continuing efforts, and root for the Mets. Katsoris told TNH that 200 people were on the list for the Loukoumi Foundation’s sections at the game on Loukoumi Day. Tickets at various price points offered fans a variety of gift options to go along with the Field Level tickets and the excellent view of the field.
The $50 Field Level Ticket in the Big Apple Reserved Section’s first 6 rows included a Mets t-shirt, while the first 15,000 fans at the game also received a Mets chip bowl.
Front Row Sponsor Tickets offered signed baseballs on a first come first served basis: $500 included 2 tickets and a Jacob deGrom signed baseball; $350 included 2 Tickets and a Noah Syndergaard signed baseball, and $250 included 2 Tickets and an Amed Rosario signed baseball.
Among those present was celebrity Chef Maria Loi who also received a Spirit Award from the Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation and the New York Mets during the on-field home plate ceremony along with Dr. Annette Keane representing the Eastchester School District, Chief Librarian Nick Buron representing The Queens Library, Loukoumi the Lamb, Loukoumi Foundation President Nick Katsoris, Pam Geiger representing St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Associate Superintendent Michael Coppotelli representing the Catholic Schools of the New York Archdiocese.
The diehard Mets fans in attendance thought nothing of sitting out in the rain to root for their favorite team and show their support for the Loukoumi Foundation. During the game, the Loukoumi Foundation table was set up for attendees of all ages to make cards for the patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and make a donation to help fund a treatment/literacy room at St. Jude.
Mets ace Jacob deGrom, the scheduled starting pitcher, was scratched right before the game and replaced by Corey Oswalt. The first inning began with 2 runs by the Phillies and the Mets answering in the bottom half with one run of their own, though they left the bases loaded. The 5th inning proved pivotal as the Mets scored 4 runs, including Michael Conforto’s 3-run homer. They added one more run in the 7th inning as the Mets beat the Phillies 6-4.
The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization formed with the consent of the New York State Department of Education to teach children to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Loukoumi, a fluffy little lamb, is the main character from the Loukoumi book series that wants to make the world a better place. The Loukoumi Make A Difference Foundation seeks to teach children to follow Loukoumi’s lead and to make a positive difference.
More information: LoukoumiFoundation.org.
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