Last month, Massapequa resident Jake Brice threw out the first pitch of the Tuesday, June 19 game between the New York Mets and the Minnesota Twins.

Jake, a 9-year-old heart transplant recipient, threw out the pitch all as part of the Sixth Annual Starlight Starbright Night at Shea Stadium.

Over 500 Starlight Starbright children and their families and friends attended the annual event. Among the many events, the children got the chance to play catch with Met players on the field several hours prior to game time.

In addition, participants received a game ticket, admission to a barbecue in the tented picnic area at Shea with unlimited food and soft drinks, and a special visit from Mr. Met and Mets players before the game. They also were able to bid on valuable gift donations, collectible items and memorabilia in a silent auction.

This year's event raised $175,000 to support the mission of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, which works to improve the condition of seriously ill children and their families. Each year, Starlight serves over 250,000 critically, chronically, and terminally ill children throughout the tri-state area.