If you've been psyching yourself up for The Tailgate on October 13, you likely already know what we'll be serving and what you might want to wear.

But a key component of our newest party is shining a spotlight on sports-related nonprofits —and you'll even get to meet some of the athletes that champion these important causes.

Read up on who's going to be there and how you can get involved in their life-changing work:

The Sandlot
The Sandlot Children's Charity provides financial assistance for kids with physical and intellectual disabilities seeking to participate in athletic opportunities and sport-specific experiences. Their goal is to not only help the kids have sporty, healthy fun, but also promote the continued development of social and leadership skills for these inspiring youth.

Two big fans of The Sandlot will be at The Tailgate: Rangers pitcher Taylor Hearn and former MLB pitcher-turned-sports broadcaster Mike Bacsik. They will be signing autographs, posing for pictures, and raffling off two tickets to a Rangers game (date and time to be mutually agreed-upon by winner and The Sandlot).

Merging Vets and Players
MVP empowers combat veterans and former professional athletes by connecting them after the uniform comes off, providing them with a new team to assist with transition, promote personal development, and show them they are never alone.

Through its peer support program, MVP revolves around weekly sessions consisting of physical fitness followed by a post-workout chat named The Huddle, where members come together and recognize earned scars. The Huddle, run by specially trained facilitators, offers support and shared experience in the hope of helping others choose strategies to heal and progress as they navigate life outside the uniform. Members share challenges, struggles, and successes in a trusted environment of support that encourages vulnerability.

MVP coaches the veterans and athletes to be proud of their service and accomplishments and use what they experienced on the battlefield, playing field, and cage to empower them through the transition. "We don't run from mental health challenges; we tackle them as a team," is one of their mottos.

Both veterans and former professional athletes will be manning the four al fresco Tailgate games: cornhole, mini golf, football toss, and ring toss. Donate $25 to MVP and test your skills against these elite athletes, and try your luck at the raffle for a putter and some MVP swag.

Camp Exposure
Camp Exposure is a faith-based, holistic youth development program centered around student athletes. The program provides strategies, tips, and tools to create a concrete foundation both on and off the field. The organization focuses on developing student-athletes through its seven pillars: identity, mental health, spiritual health, nutrition, relationship skills, professional development, and financial literacy. Its athletes learn and develop skills that help them successfully navigate through life’s challenges and transition into the career of their choice.

  

Photo courtesy of The Sandlot

The Sandlot helps kids with physical and intellectual disabilities participate in sports.

Founded by former Dallas Cowboys player Tyler Patmon, Camp Exposure is coming to The Tailgate on behalf of the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation. You'll get the chance to meet and snap pics with Patmon and Dallas Cowboys mascot Rowdy, while also entering the raffle for a special Cowboys item and watching a clip from the nonprofit's upcoming documentary.

Through your donations and support, Camp Exposure will be able to expand its Educational Sports Camps in different sports and cities while also implementing a youth sports league and mentorship program. The end goal is to secure a physical location to become a fully functional student-athlete academy.

How to buy tickets
Fired up to make a difference in your community? Show up to The Tailgate on October 13 at The Empire Room, where delicious food and drink, fun games, and representatives from all these nonprofits will be waiting.

Get your tickets now, and use promo code DONATE to get 50 percent off your ticket price. Plus, CultureMap will donate 100 percent of your ticket purchase back to these participating charities.