Pitch Burst Volunteers Support Warren Coalition Children’s Programs

The volunteers are competing to raise funds for Warren Coalition ahead of its 13th annual Celebrate Kids Day on Sunday, Sept. 27. Every participant will eventually take a turn in the event’s Pitch Burst, where children will get the chance to pop 11-inch balloons over their heads.

Jody Lee, one of the Pitch Burst volunteers from 2025, is thoroughly doused when an 11-inch balloon of water is popped during Celebrate Kids Day.

How long each volunteer has to sit beneath the balloons depends on how much money they raise.

The top three fundraisers will spend 10 minutes each in the Pitch Burst, while the remaining volunteers will face 15 minutes in the wet seat. The person who raises the most money overall will also receive a traveling trophy and a small goody bag.

Each volunteer has been asked to raise at least $500, although some have set higher personal goals. Together, the group is aiming to raise $7,500 for Warren Coalition’s children’s programs.

This year’s volunteers represent a wide range of people from across the community. Their workplaces are listed for identification only and do not indicate organizational sponsorship of the fundraiser.

Participants include Dr. Matthew Rosario of ClearHorizon Forensic and Counseling Group; Mary Carnahan of Mary Carnahan Graphic Design; William Huck of C & C Frozen Treats; Jen Avery of Crum Realty; Bret Bement of Play Favorites; Tyler Cheely of Warren County Parks & Recreation; Crystal Cline of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office; Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell; Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair Cheryl Cullers; Kevin Brooks of George Mason University; Jason Neale of D & P Rentals; Warren County Public Schools teacher Kenzie Kidwell; and Brandace Kerns of Quiet Mind Psychotherapeutic Services, Inc.

Residents can follow the fundraising competition and make donations to individual volunteers at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/pitch-burst–2026.

The Pitch Burst will be one of many activities offered during Celebrate Kids Day, scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Health & Human Services Complex, 465 W. 15th St. in Front Royal.

The family event will include pony rides, inflatable rides, a petting zoo, a train ride, games, and prizes. The first 200 children will also receive free pumpkins.

Admission is $1 per child and includes nearly all activities. The cake walk costs an additional $1 per person.

Warren Coalition was established in 1994 to help address gaps in health care and substance misuse awareness in the community. The organization began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project and was incorporated in 2001.

Now based in the Warren County Community Center, the nonprofit works with more than 15 member agencies. Its mission is to help make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug-free community through local programs and partnerships.