There’s nothing like a hot dog, a drink, and a ball game. The experience of going to Citizens Bank Park is something to look forward to every summer. If you’re a Phillies fan, you might be considering attending a regular-season home game. Well, mark your calendar for this charity tailgate on July 15. 

The History of the Charity Tailgate

Over 15 years ago, a Phillies tailgate coined as “Krunkfest” was started by Brian Jackson and John Correale. In 2012, the tailgate turned into a charity drive after a friend of Brian and John passed away from ALS. 

The tailgate means more than a group of fans getting together before a game. It’s a commemoration of a classmate and friend of Brian and John: Dustin Myers. Myers was diagnosed with ALS in college and passed away in 2010 at 26. 

The annual event attracted fans and donations toward the fight against ALS. In 2014, the event grew to support Mary Brown; Brian’s mother-in-law. Brown passed away in 2014 at 57 after a 9-year battle with breast cancer. She was a registered nurse at the Lehigh Valley Health Network for 35 years. 

The evergrowing event doesn’t stop with support for Myers and Brown–it also honors a loved one of Brian and Bradley Jackson. Sue DeChambeau was a longtime real estate agent in Phoenixville for Century 21. She passed away in 2016 at 64 after fighting breast cancer. 

Today, the event is operated by Bradley Jackson, Brian’s younger brother, and Bradley’s friend Michael Kilcoyne. In 2022, the two put on the largest tailgate yet raising over $12,000 for ALS and breast cancer organizations. 

Krunkfest 2023

On July 15, the Phillies take on the Padres in a doubleheader at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The tailgate is located in lot K. 

You can get a $25.00 wristband for food and drinks. Additionally, you can get a $40 ticket that includes food, drinks, and a Krunkfest t-shirt. Beverages will be provided by Frank Smith Beverage in Pottstown.

The Krunkfest team is looking for sponsors this year and can reach out to Bradley Jackson on Instagram @BradleyJ143 or email bcjackson143@gmail.com.

Benefiting ALS and Breast Cancer

Here are the numbers of the monies raised over the last 4 events:

• 2017 – 2,100
• 2018 – $4,329
• 2019 – $8,000
• 2020/2021 – Canceled due to COVID
• 2022 – $12,805

The proceeds are split 50/50 between ALS and breast cancer. Under Dustin Myer’s name, the donations go to the ALS Association (Greater Philadelphia Chapter). Under Mary Brown and Sue DeChambeau, donations go to the Women’s 5K Classic of Lehigh Valley.

Venmo – https://www.venmo.com/u/Krunkfest

Instagram – Krunkfest_inc

Facebook – Krunkfest

Facebook Event Page – Krunkfest 2023