More than 200 people attended the second annual Jessie Games to celebrate the spirit of Jessie by having fun and raising money to support the Summer Lunch program at Catholic Charities. After weeks of rain, the sun broke through and gave everyone a chance to celebrate.  [Click on any photo to enlarge].

This year, three Pittsburgh Pierogies — Sauerkraut Saul, Cheese Chester and Jalapeno Hannah — joined the fun, in a series of races on foot, in burlap sacks and in costumes.

 

 

 

 

 

Later, four local volleyball teams competed for top honors, with the winning team awarded Jessie Games baseball hats.  And while they played, others gathered in front of the DJ  for hoola hoop and dance competitions.

Competitive eaters gathered at tables lined with watermelons to see who could down their quarter-watermelon the fastest. No hands allowed!

 

Friends, neighbors, moms, dads, brothers, sisters, cousins, grandparents stretched across the field for the water balloon toss, trying to be the last standing with an intact balloon. Those who needed a break from running around played bingo under the welcome shade of the big tent.

Throughout the day, kids and adults ate sno-cones and popcorn, had their faces painted, made jewelry, raced battery operated orange pigs, played corn hole, and tested their putting abilities.

 

 

 

Crowds cheered at the dunk tank, and the kids lined up for the chance to get dunked. Those wanting to test their strength headed for the High Striker, to see if they could ring the bell.

Many gathered at the Jessie Stones booth, where Jessie Stones and jewelry were sold. This year, there were several new offerings, including snowdrop bulbs, earrings, and water colors of Ireland’s Croagh Patrick, along with new bracelets and pendants made with stones gathered in Ireland.

The day ended with a cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, fruit and cookies. It was like a big family picnic! We couldn’t have done it without all of your support – attending the games, supporting it with donations, and praying for its success. So, from all of us at The Jessie Games Committee, Thank you!

The Jessie Games 2015 – Sponsors

Event Sponsor: News Corp

Platinum Sponsors: Creehan & Company;

Gold Sponsors: Hayes Design Group – Architects; The Klemick Family; Don’s Appliances; Team Scotti

Silver Sponsors: John M. Hartzell, Jr., Esq; Houston Harbaugh, PC, Attorneys at Law; Leslie and Paul Reynolds; The Marasco Family;  St. Clair Hospital; St. Anne PTG & Athletic Association

Bronze Sponsors: Sean & Jenn Ansberry; The Beringer Family; Brandt Bernat; Mary Kay & Jack Binder; Gerry and Louise Cipriani; The Dan & Kathy Goff Family; Pittsburgh Orthodontic Group; McGervey Electric; Rebecca Pounds, D.D.S.; Steel Sales Corp.

In kind donations: Metz Food Services; Breadworks; Giant Eagle; Jan Klemick; Tim Zugates; St. Louise de Marillac; The Andy Warhol Museum; Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; Pa. Rebellion Softball; Washington Wild Things; Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History; AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes; Fleet Feet; Eat N Park; City Theater; Seven Springs Mountain Resort; Carnegie Science Center; Skyzone Trampoline Park; Chris Grella

Donors: Keith & Yvonne Creehan; Linda Cunningham; Nancy & Ralph Belsterling; Pat Dwight; Mike & Margaret Hooten; The Wunder Family; The Shapiro family; Patrick Furey and Denise Little Family; Judy Caves; John Miller; Melissa McCart; Alex Iniquez; Kevin Kirkland; Kathleen Amanti; Kathy and Greg Reiff; Barbara Vancheri; Carol Hymowitz; Peggy Bond; Joe & Prudence Posey; Karen Kane; Ginny Chenet; John and Michelle Manning; Molly Fichter; Judy Albenzi; Lois Cole; The Richtar Family; Tyler Batiste; David Shribman; Susan Smith; Barbara Paul; Tim and Erin Betler; Mike Fuoco; Fr. Michael Caridi; Marissa and David Cochran; Andy and Sandy Gans; Kate Giammarise; Patrice Giancola; Dan Gigler; Tim Donahue; Joe and Chris Furey; Dan and Shelly Haser; Frank Hynos; Cathy Jakubowski; The McItrot family; Nancy and Wes Smith; Terry and Jan Smith; Jim Walsh.