Viewfinder: Bowling Event Raises More Than $1,000 for Casey's Clubhouse

Casey's Clubhouse raised more than $1,000 during Sunday's bowling fundraiser.

More than 40 people took part in the fun at AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes.

"The guys here at AMF opening up the lanes for us today to help raise money, it's just something that really touches your heart," said Sean Casey, former MLB player. 

Sean Casey, and his wife, Mandi, are raising money to build a custom-designed field with a cushioned, rubberized surface for people with special needs to be able to play baseball.

"It's so wonderful to have the community involved and together today," Mandi said as she helped her children and their friends play a game of bowling. "That's what the field will do, bring the entire community together."

Mandi has a 27-year-old sister with special needs who she hopes will one day be able to play on the Miracle Field in Upper St. Clair. 

"We want there to be no age limit for the field," Mandi said.

That is good news for Robert Walsh and Matthew Dee, who also hope to play in the Miracle League.

"I'm excited," Walsh said.

"This is really important for Sean Casey to help get this field together so everyone can be included," said Katy Walsh, mother of Robert. "I'm very proud of Upper St. Clair to step up and do this."

"I think it's so awesome," said Michelle Petrillo, mother of Emily, a child with special needs.

"Emily hopes to play on the Miracle Field. She is a baseball fanatic. You can ask her which team won the World Series in any year and she'll know," Petrillo said. "It's hard for kids with special needs to play baseball, so this is great."

Casey's Clubhouse has raised approximately $700,000, making the organization just shy of the $1 million needed to construct the Miracle Field. 

The total includes the nearly $300,000 raised during a casino-themed fundraiser on March 19. In addition, Sean Casey said he received $50,000 from an anonymous donor in Texas last week. 

"People have been very generous," Sean Casey said. "The whole process has made my heart grow for people."

Casey's Clubhouse's website offers a way to donate and a place to sign-up to volunteer. Casey's Clubhouse also has a Facebook fan page.

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