Before we all kicked off our Memorial Day celebrations at nearby beaches or here in the District, fans and supporters alike headed to the Nationals Park for Ryan Zimmerman’s 4th Annual “A Night at the Park”, a benefit held for the ziMS Foundation. ziMS is a volunteer-based organization that aims to raise awareness and funds toward finding a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).
As president of the foundation, Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Wallace Zimmerman was thrilled to host “A Night at the Park” for the fourth time—acknowledging that he is passionate about helping this foundation make an impact in his family’s life as well as the many others who are afflicted by MS.
The alternative rock band Third Eye Blind was the headlining act for the event. Before they hit the stage patrons of “A Night at the Park” perused the area of the Nationals Park just behind home plate to grab food and libations, bid on items from the silent auction and sneak glances at local sports figures who were out to support Ryan and the ziMS Foundation.
I’ll woefully admit that I was about $12,000 short of the introductory bid for a 1970s photo autographed by Barbara Streisand herself. The night buzzed on for more than five hours with folks enjoying live music, good food and supporting an awesome cause.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, potentially debilitating disease that affects the central nervous system in such a way that slows or blocks the nerve signals that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation and vision. In the United States, about 200 people are diagnosed with MS weekly. Consider joining Zimmerman and the Board of Directors as volunteer for one of their events throughout the year.
More information regarding the ziMS Foundation can be found on their webpage: http://zimsfoundation.org/.
-Brian Riddick
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