This is not just a great attraction but also a contribution to keep this great institution going strong. We hope to have a capacity crowd.

We speak to the artists about the benefit for the kids and they usually come in under favorable terms.

We are completely self-funded. This is our ninth year of concerts.

Many groups and individuals from the Greater Media area are involved in the center as board members, coaches and volunteers.

Our mission is to provide children with a healthy atmosphere, to learn about sportsmanship and cooperation and to meet friends. We're giving kids a safe harbor. We'd rather have a 14-year-old play basketball than hang out at the mall.

I would hope this becomes an issue in the 2006 election and becomes a factor in voter conduct,