As a young organization, the Pittsburgh Power have already proven to be committed to supporting local community groups and charities. In just two seasons, the Power have already become proudly involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Special Olympics, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts, the Animal Rescue League, the DePaul School for Hearing & Speech and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Chris LeFlore hands out Power hats during a community Memorial Day Parade! (Photo by Arron Anastasia)

“It was a priority of ours from day one to imbed ourselves into the community and give back to the city that supports us,” Power General Manager Michael Gorham said. “I feel that we owe it to our fans to give back to the charities and community groups that have loyally supported us since our inception.”

It was last year’s involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation that has inspired an entire night of wishes for the Pittsburgh community at this week’s upcoming contest with the Milwaukee Mustangs.

Last season, Power fan Mick Walsh’s wish through the foundation was to be a member of the Pittsburgh Power. Walsh signed a  team contract, hosted a press conference, practiced with the team and led the team out as a captain for their May 7 contest against the Spokane Shock.

“We were so grateful to the Pittsburgh Power for rolling out the red carpet to make Mick’s most heartfelt wish come true,” Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia President and CEO Judi Stone said.

“Granting Mick’s wish was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been a part of,” Gorham added. “From the press conference to the team practice, to issuing him his own uniform for game day, we pulled out all the stops for Mick and it was a blessing to do it”

Mick Walsh poses with Mike Washington during practice last year. Walsh's wish of being a Power player was granted by Make-A-Wish last season. (Photo by Tom Sabol)

Gorham and the Power will look to continue the rewarding experience of granting wishes on June 16^th for their first ever “Wish Night.” The Power will once again be granting wishes for fans while at the same time benefiting those who need it most.

“We’re thrilled to have this collaboration continue with Wish Night 2012,” Stone said. “With a portion of Saturday’s ticket sales benefiting Make-A-Wish, we will be able to make more wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

“More than just a nice experience,” Stone added, “We believe wishes have the ability to give strength and the power to heal.”

Fans can submit their wish by emailing the Power (info@pittsburghpowerfootball.com) with the chance of having it granted during Saturday night’s game.

There are no limits to how many wishes the Power will grant on Saturday night. Already, the Power have granted wishes for the position of Ball Boy, Special Teams Assistant, PA Announcer as well as who will lead the team out onto the field and giving out front row tickets!

Gorham expects Wish Night to be successful not only for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, but also for the Power and their fans.

“I want the fans to have fun,” he said. “I don’t want anyone to walk out of the arena with any regrets because they didn’t wish for something,” adding, “And of course, I want to win!”

For Gorham and the Power, Saturday night’s involvement with a great charity like the Make-A-Wish Foundation is just another step in the right direction in community involvement.

“We will continue to build on the relationships we have formed within the community and work to foster new ones with other great, local organizations.”

Wish Night kicks off Saturday night at CONSOL Energy Center as te Power welcome in division foe Milwaukee. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.