Foundation teams up with Mets for annual night at Shea stadium.

The simple joys of childhood such as enjoying a night at the ballpark with family often escape hundreds of thousands of critically, chronically and terminally ill children throughout the Tri-State area.

That's why the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation NY*NJ*CT Chapter has once again teamed up with the New York Mets to host the Fourth Annual Starlight Starbright Night at Shea Stadium when the Mets square-off against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, June 20.

Participants in this special event will receive a game ticket, admission to a barbecue in a tented picnic area at Shea with unlimited food and soft drinks (compliments of Aramark), a special visit from Mr. Met and Mets' legend Rusty Staub before the game and a chance to bid on valuable gift donations, collectible items and memorabilia in a silent auction. The cost for the package is just $100, with $55 of each ticket going to support the work of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

In addition, participants can bid through June 13 on a chance for their child to throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch alongside a Starlight Starbright child. Minimum bid is $1,500. Opportunities to sponsor a Starlight child and their family to attend the event are also available at $1000. This year, Starlight Starbright's efforts are being supported by Mets infielder Chris Woodward, who will escort a selected group of Starlight Starbright children to view batting practice from the field level and play catch with the youngsters on the field.

Corporate sponsors of the event include North Fork Bank (title sponsor); American Airlines, the official airline of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation NY*NJ*CT; Aramark; Cougar Trading, LLC; New York Mercantile Exchange Charitable Foundation; University Sports Publications; Cool Breeze Air Conditioning Incorporated and Excel Security.

The event will support the mission of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, which is making a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. Each year, Starlight serves over 250,000 critically, chronically, and terminally ill children throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Starlight provides programs on hospital pediatric wards, funds special projects for hospitalized children, and conducts a variety of outpatient activities. Starlight's goal is to help seriously ill children experience the simple joys of being a child.

Gates to the picnic area open at 5 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, please call 212-354-2878.