Kokomo native and San Diego Padre Joe Thatcher knew that he wanted to give back to the community that has always supported him. The question was how to do it. It came to him one day during a game.

"One day I was sitting in the bullpen and I came up with it," Thatcher said. "I knew I could get a lot of autographs and memorabilia. I talked to my parents and this is what we came up with."

What they came up with was The Joe Thatcher Foundation and its first event "Pitch In for Youth," to be held at the Kokomo Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 21. at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event, which includes dinner and an open bar, are $40 and can be purchased at various locations around Kokomo.

The proceeds from the event will go to Bridges Outreach, an organization that tutors and mentors "at risk" kids through the local schools and churches in Howard County.

"I've received a lot of support from the people in this town," Thatcher said. "I wanted to do something to give back."

The event will feature an auction which will include items signed by professional athletes like Ken Griffey Jr., Jake Peavy and Albert Pujols.

"Most players send stuff over to get it signed," Thatcher said. "A lot of the time it is for themselves. I've never been that in to signed items, but I thought this would be a good way to raise money for the charity."

The memorabilia goes way beyond major league baseball, however.

"Manny Pacquiao (the lightweight boxing champion) threw out the first pitch at one of our games," Thatcher said. "I have a signed set of boxing gloves from Manny. We also have things from Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers), Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals), the Pacers, and the Colts."

Thatcher said there are other things non-sports related as well that will be auctioned along with an all-expenses paid three-day trip for two to San Diego with tickets to two Padres games.

Tickets can be purchased at Martino's, Jamie's Soda Fountain, Miles & Finch Insurance, Walk Moss Barber Shop and all three Community First Bank locations. Checks should be made payable to the Community Foundation of Howard County. Reservations can also be made by calling 457-7325.