Redlands Kids See Angels Game

Seventeen middle school students who are part of the Micah House afterschool program were treated to a trip to Angel Stadium in Anaheim to watch the Angels play the Blue Jays on August 12, 2021.
 
The trip, titled “HomeRuns & Heroes 2021,” was sponsored by the Redlands Police Department and made possible by a collaboration of several organizations. Chick-fil-A treated the kids and escorts to a lunch before the game, Starbucks provided drinks and other refreshments, and the Redlands Police Community Foundation donated funds to purchase 2021 HomeRuns & Heroes shirts and goodies for the game.
 
Paul Smith, general manager of Toyota of Redlands and longtime reserve officer with the Redlands PD, secured tickets for the group and sponsored the rental vans for transportation. Chaperones included Redlands PD Officers Seth Franklin, Elaine Gutierrez, Eddie Herrera and Paul Smith, as well as Detective Mike Merriman and Micah House volunteers Mr. George and MJ Turner.
 
“HomeRuns & Heroes was a huge success,” said Officer Herrera. “Thanks to sponsors and Toyota of Redlands, we were able to take 17 kids to a major league ballgame. Many had never been to a game before. We had so much fun interacting with the kids throughout the day. They can’t wait to do it again next year!”
 
According to Allison Anderson, Executive Director of Micah House, “It was an incredible night. The kids had an opportunity to bond with each other, our volunteers, and the police officers. We are so thankful to everyone who made this possible.”