A record turnout at a new venue, new games and activities, plus the return of crowd pleasers came together to make the 6^th annual Jessie Games a success in so many ways.

And it is all because you came, supported, volunteered, donated or sponsored.

Thanks to our generous host sponsor, Cool Springs, we were able to move The Jessie Games indoors for the first time, so that we wouldn’t have to worry about the rain. Little did we know that on July 20, we’d have to contend with another issue: hot and humid weather that reached well into the 90s. The space proved to be perfect, with plenty of room for our growing event.

At one end of the field was a home run derby and bubble ball soccer. In the middle were carnival games, face painting, jewelry making and our personal favorite addition, an “Oh the Places You’ll Go” section where kids picked out new tennis shoes for free. And another area included kid’s races, bingo, a photo booth and the new hugely popular obstacle course.

The dunk tank, water balloon toss and watermelon eating contests were just outside, along with the sno cones to beat the heat.

As always, the day ended with a meal, as families gathered for hamburgers, chips, and homemade cookies, some sitting on blankets spread picnic style in the dining room.

The best part of the day was seeing so many smiles, laughter and joy.

None of it would have been possible without a crew of devoted and hard-working volunteers who came early to set up and stayed late to clean up.

All in all, it was an incredible day. Thank you to all who made it so. We can’t wait to see you next year!

We had high hopes for the 5^th annual Jessie Games. Thanks to you and your prayers, we exceeded them.

With a rainy morning expected to continue throughout the afternoon, we admittedly had some concerns. But somehow, the showers past just in time for a welcome by Susan Rauscher, executive director Catholic Charities, and members of the Smith family.

A crowd of 250 filled Central Catholic’s field to enjoy new and classic carnival games. Kids raced their parents to pop balloons, Giant Jenga blocks were stacked and toppled, and of course, there were many dunks in the dunk tank.

We also created beautiful canvas paintings and debuted a children’s book: “The First Jessie Stone: how a little rock became so much more.”

Families stretched across the field to see who would be the last one standing for the water balloon toss, which ended in what has become another annual tradition: a massive water balloon fight. We brought back the “no-hands” watermelon eating contest, and the beloved Pittsburgh Pierogies arrived just in time to join the relay races. In between, kids made jewelry, had their faces painted and munched on popcorn. And as always, the day ended with blankets spread on the field for families to eat hamburgers and hot dogs.

While the activities and games were fun, the best part of the afternoon was something that happened throughout the day that everyone was a part of: joy, laughter and a lot of big smiles.

Oh, and one more thing: we set a goal of $35,000 – which seemed a little ambitious – but we topped it!

None of this would have been possible without our incredibly devoted and hard-working volunteers – some of which have been with us all five years – who came early to set up, stayed throughout the day to run the games, cooked the meal and cleaned up.

So to the volunteers, donors and participants: THANK YOU!

We would like to extend a big thank you to all who made the fourth annual
Jessie Games a huge success!

 
Over 200 new and familiar faces joined us at our new venue, Central
Catholic High School, to celebrate the Jessie Games. Thanks to our
generous sponsors, donors and participants, we raised nearly $30,000,
which will be used to help children in need through Catholic Charities’
programs.

 
Once again we were blessed with beautiful weather. The sun was out with a
gentle breeze as friendships were formed through games of kickball, water
balloon tosses and laughter.

 
The Pirates Pierogies raced with the kids (and were occasionally chased
by them).  They posed for photos, gave high-fives and showed off a few
dance moves.

 
Volunteers got soaked in the dunk tank as onlookers cheered. Kids danced
in front of the DJ. Pirates, princesses and animals of all kinds emerged
from the face-painting table. Kids made bracelets and tested their skills
putting, racing pigs, knocking down stuffed cats and sending frogs into a
pond. They snacked on snow cones and popcorn, played bingo and relaxed
under the big tent.

 
Many gathered at the Jessie Stones booth, where Jessie Stones and jewelry
were sold, along with paintings of Ireland’s Croagh Patrick.
The day closed with a picnic of hamburgers and hot dogs, apples, chips and
homemade cookies. Many went home with tickets for ice cream,
trampoline parks, museums, and the zoo, courtesy of our many generous
donors. As they left, each child received a backpack filled with school
supplies. It was a wonderful day to celebrate, remember and give thanks.

THE JESSIE GAMES 2017 SPONSORS

Event Sponsor

• News Corp

Platinum Sponsors

• Sean and Stephanie Creehan family.

Gold Sponsors

• Hayes Design Group – Architects
• Don’s Appliances
• Team Scotti
• The Marasco Family
• Raymond Betler
• Ann Beringer

Silver Sponsors

• Keith and Yvonne Creehan
• The Klemick Family
• Rebecca Pounds, D.D.S.
• Paul and Leslie Reynolds
• Keith and Yvonne Creehan
• Ed and Megan Grefenstette

Bronze Sponsors

• Sean & Jenn Ansberry
• Brandt Bernat
• Anne Athletic Association
• Pittsburgh Orthodontics
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette
• Gerard Cipriani
• Nate Copsey
• Susan Smith
• Mary Kay and Jack Binder

In kind donations

• Central Catholic High School
• Metz Food Service
• Michelle McGrane
• Ben Nath, web developer
• Shop N Save
• Magic Car Wash
• Fun Slides
• Ean T Park
• Chick Fil A
• Breadworks
• Jan Klemick
• Dorfner’s Dari Delite
• Cool Springs
• Flight Trampoline Park
• Children’s Museum
• Trolley Barn Eatery
• Solders & Sailors
• The Andy Warhol Museum
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park
• Keyho Family
• Carnegie Science Center
• Phoenix Theatres Entertainment
• Pittsburgh CLO
• Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
• Subway Jeanette
• Washington Wild Things

Donors

• Sean and Jennifer Ansberry
• Tim Gibbons
• Chris Damato
• Jack Hartnell
• Thomas and Margaret Lynch
• Margaret Lynch
• Mike Whittaker
• Brittany Greer
• Micah Brown
• Marty and Audrey Dorfner
• Pat and Vickie Manion
• Alex Henry
• Carol Hymowitz
• Margaret and Mike Hooten
• Mistflower Garden Design/Nancy Smith
• Virginia Renegar
• Barb Vancheri
• Diane Pawlak
• Daniel Darragh
• Larry Walsh
• William Barclay “Boog” Powell
• The Shapiro Family
• Patrice Giancola
• Patricia Jelinek
• Lori Lawhead
• The Shepis Famil
• Nancy Belsterling
• Kate Giammarise
• Karen Kane
• Amy Price
• Samantha Routh
• Cathy Skidmore
• Kelly Werley
• Kathy Henderson
• Robert Linkowski
• Becky Roach
• Lena Shoplik
• Tom and Teri Jones
• The Wunder Family
• Margaret Bond
• Barbara Paul
• Mary Ann Raymer
• The Haser family
• Linda Cunningham
• Andrew Gams
• Maria Kaufman
• John Hartzell
• Joann and Art Cantrell
• Joseph and Chris Furey
• Dan Gigler
• Art and Mary Pat DeConciliis
• The Kukla Family
• Geri Toth
• Judy and Norman Caves
• The Husak Family
• David Shribman
• Carolyn Todd
• Patrick Reilly
• Anthony Agostinelli
• Pam Burnette
• Dorothy Gorman
• John and Noreen Herward
• Manher Lariwala
• The Keyho family
• Carl Remensky

·   Patricia Bennett

A big THANK YOU to everyone who supported the third annual Jessie Games in so many ways.

We had so many generous  sponsors and  donors  underwrote the costs, donated supplies and prizes.

We had crews of volunteers came early to set up and stayed late to take down. Others ran the games and cooked.

And we had all of you who came, participated and celebrated. We had friends and family traveling from Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois and Ohio to spend the day with us.  We were happy to see so many returning for the third year and welcome new faces, too.

Together, we raised close to $30,000, which will be used to help children in need through the Catholic Charities summer lunch program.  Bishop David Zubik was unable to attend but sent the following message.

A Special Message from Bishop David Zubik

Jessie’s cousins gather at the 2016 games

Taking a break at the 2016 Jessie Games

Digging into the watermelon at the 2016 Jessie Games

Making Jewelry at the 2016 Jessie Games

Three generations of Ansberry family in Michigan

The Jessie Games 2016 Sponsors

Event Sponsor

• News Corp

Platinum Sponsors

• Creehan & Company

Gold Sponsors

• The Beringer Family
• 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
• Paul and Leslie Reynolds
• St. Anne Parent Teachers Guild and Athletic Association
• Keith and Yvonne Creehan
• Ed and Megan Grefenstette

Bronze Sponsors

• Sean & Jenn Ansberry
• Brandt Bernat
• Rebecca Pounds, D.D.S.
• Chris and Molly McMahon
• Steel Sales Corp.
• Pittsburgh Orthodontics
• Pittsburgh Post Gazette
• Dan and Kathy Goff and family
• Mary Kay and Jack Binder

In kind donations

• Barretta’s Hair Designers
• Shop N Save
• Breadworks
• Giant Eagle
• Jan Klemick
• Tim Zugates
• Dari Delite
• Cool Springs
• Flight Trampoline Park
• Children’s Museum
• LeMont Restaurant
• Trolley Barn Eatery
• Solders & Sailors
• The Andy Warhol Museum
• Sky Zone Trampoline Park
• Massage Envy
• Keyho Family
• St. Louise de Marillac
• Seton-La Salle High School
• Carnegie Science Center
• Cheplic Meat

Donors

•  Cathy and Frank Danyo
• Marty and Audrey Dorfner
• Pat and Vickie Manion
• Leslie McKee
• Jim, Katelyn and Kelsey Walsh
• Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
• Wendi Harding
• Alex Henry
• Joe Olesky
• Carol Hymowitz
• Margaret and Mike Hooten
• Tom and Teri Jones
• The Wunder Family
• Margaret Bond
• Barbara Paul
• Mary Ann Raymer
• The Haser family
• Linda Cunningham
• Maria Kaufman
• Joann and Art Cantrell
• Joseph and Chris Furey
• Ann Redd
• John Miller
• Danese Kenon
• Pat Dwight
• Steve Twedt
• Teri Jones
• Carol Hymowitz
• Nancy and Ralph Belsterling
• Mary Ann and Don Lecci
• Mike and  Diane Whittaker
• The Burnette Family
• The Heidenreich Family
• Ginny Kopas Joe

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.

In 2014, we held our first Jessie Games. Not knowing what to expect, we set a modest base goal of $5,000 and in a show of support and generosity, raised more than four times that amount! While that was gratifying, more so were the smiles, joy and celebration of life!

We quickly realized certain activities would be repeat attractions at the annual event: dunk tanks, a family water balloon toss, and watermelon eating contests.Children, wearing their green Jessie Games T-shirts, raced, and cooled off with sno-cones. With much encouragement, the principal of St. Anne School went in the dunk tank and so did many others.

(click on any photo to enlarge)

Thank you to our 2014 Sponsors

Event sponsor: News Corp.

Platinum Sponsor: Creehan & Company

Gold Sponsors: Don’s Appliances ; Hayes Design Group – Architects ; Team Scotti ; Steel Sales Corporation

Silver Sponsors: The Beringer Family ; Dan & Kathy Goff and family ; John Hartzell and Houston Harbaugh, Attorneys at Law ; The Marasco Family ; Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ; Post-Gazette newsroom managers ; Rebecca Pounds ; Leslie and Paul Reynolds

Bronze Sponsors: The  Albenze Family ; Sean & Jennifer Ansberry ; Brandt Bernat ; Mary Kay & Jack Binder ; Gerry & Louise Cipriani ; The DeConciliis Family ; Richard F. Gobbie | Pittsburgh Orthodontic Group, Inc ; St. Anne PTG & Athletic Association ; The Klemick Family ; John Roach

In Kind Donations: Andy Warhol Museum, Breadworks, Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, Children’s Museum, Cinemark, City Theatre, Eat N Park, Giant Eagle, Heinz History Center, Metz Culinary Management Company, Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Sky Zone, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, Washington Wild Things

Donors: Avon Drive Neighbors, Kellie Banky, Amanda Beamon, Nancy & Ralph Belsterling, Margaret Bond, Fred and Paula Bowman, The Boyle Family, Judy Caves, Peggy Cohan, Lois Cole, Chris D’Amato, Barb and Scott Davidson, John Doe, Molly Fichter, Cynthia Finder, Joseph Furey, Patrick Furey & Denise Little Family, Joyce Gannon, The Goldane Family, The Greer Family, Megan Grefenstette, James Hagerty, Mary Lu Hawes, John & Noreen Herward, Mike & Margaret Hooten, The Husak Family, Carol Hymowitz, Cathy Jakubowski, Karen Kane and Joe Agnello, The Kukla Family, Tatyana Lavrinenko, Lois Lippert, Patricia Lowry, Margaret Lynch, Thomas M. Lynch Family, Mary Kay McGuirk, The Merikas Family, Dianne and Albert Metro, Eric Michalski, The Kurt Miller Family, John Miller, James Morhard, The Olesky Family, Diane Pawlak, Jerry and AK Pozycki, Bill Powell, Joe Petrich, Mary Lou & Tony Price, Ginny and Tom Renegar, Jared Roach, Tom and Ginger Rodgers, Stephen Kaufman and Maria Sciullo, The Shapiro Family, Jonathan & Britta Silver, Jan & Terry Smith, Renee & Tim Swisher & Family, Bob Topoleski, Larry Walsh, Mike and Diane Whittaker, Amanda Zinobile