On Sunday, May 1, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) of Bethany Lutheran College hosted over 200 Mankato, Minn. youth for a “Mutts on Mulberry” community event. The theme of the event was based on the book “Mutts on Mulberry Street: Good for You, Good for Me”, co-authored by Mankato natives, Dan Marso and John Amann.

The day began with a book signing and words from speakers such as former Minnesota Twins players and executives as well as the co-authors of the book. The book tells the story of a group of diverse kids who came together to clean up a baseball field on Mulberry Street. The speakers followed that theme and addressed how people with different backgrounds could come together to achieve a common goal.

The day also included several activities for attendees, including pick-up baseball, kickball, and an obstacle course. Each participant also received a free t-shirt, food, and an opportunity to win prizes through a raffle. The Bethany Lutheran baseball team took on conference-rival College of St. Scholastica that day as well, and youth participants were invited to compete in a base-running race between innings.

The SAAC group was instrumental in the organization and promotion of the event, passing out over 5,000 flyers in the community and asking local businesses to serve as sponsors. The group also ran all of the activities on the day of the event, which they deeemed a success despite the challenge of poor weather.

“The SAAC worked really hard to get the community involved,” SAAC member Marcie Flygare said. “The day supported the theme of diversity and how everyone can come together to support one another while growing and learning ethical leadership. It was a great event.”