The Binghamton Black Bears held a charity dinner at Stadium 138 today to raise money for Pond Fest, a month-long series of events featuring hockey games, activities for families, and weekly fireworks shows. Each year, proceeds from the festival support local nonprofits that provide mental health services, education, and sports programs.

"Obviously, mental health affects everyone. And I feel like sometimes it goes a little overlooked in the sports world. Because everyone on the outside sees the product on the ice I guess so to speak, and not really what's going on behind the scenes. So we're just trying to bring some more awareness to that and just get back to the community if we could," said Black Bears goaltender Connor Mcananamn.

During the evening, attendees enjoyed a $35 pasta dinner served by Black Bears players.

"We figured what would be a better time to make sure all the families are home together if they want to come out, support a great cause and see a couple of guys from the team," Mcananamn said.

The event began with around 20 reservations, and with its early success, McAnanamn said he hoped that the charity dinner could continue in the future.

McAnanamn "I think it's a great cause. And if we can help out with that, it should definitely be a yearly thing," Mcananamn said.