The Amarillo Sod Poodles weren’t the only ones having a great night at Saturday’s game against the Arkansas Travelers. Children and families from the over 25 surrounding counties Buckner Amarillo serves were given a night of baseball, hotdogs and heroes. It was a Marvel-themed superhero night at Hodgetown Stadium, and kids lined up to stand alongside their favorite costumed crimefighters like Spider-Man and Wolverine.

The Sod Poodles ballpark sits in the heart of Amarillo, where the spirit of community perfectly aligns with the Buckner mission of serving children and families. Few can flawlessly summarize Buckner’s various programs like Christine Bollinger, Buckner Amarillo foster care supervisor.

Christine gave a pregame interview on the field where she spoke in-depth about how Buckner International and the people of Amarillo can work together to help vulnerable children and families. In a profound moment of overconfidence, she rounded out the interview by predicting a wildly inaccurate final score of 10 – 2 Sod Poodles.

Buckner is fortunate her calling isn’t in sports analysis.

As the night moved on, RUCKUS the Sod Poodle mascot, watched over a stunning ninth inning three-run comeback ending in a 6 – 5 Sod Poodle victory.

After the game, children had the opportunity to sit on home plate and watch a dazzling fireworks display before being carried home for a well-earned night’s sleep. Monty, pictured at right, headed home on cloud nine after having the opportunity to throw out the first pitch of the game.

Iron-Man and Captain American aren’t the only superheroes in Amarillo. Buckner believes kids are superheroes too. Every day, we see children bear the courage to endure adversity and hard times in their young lives. They can’t become invisible. They have no mighty shields.

Their perseverance is both inspiring and demanding. This is why strong families and a supportive community are so important.

See how you can impact children and families with Buckner Amarillo.