Third Eye Blind Lead Blind Past $300k Mark; Fourth Annual Zimmerman 'Night' Largest Fundraiser Yet

SOUTHEAST -- It was a semi-charmed life indeed for the some 2,000 supporters who flocked to Nationals Park on Thursday evening, for Ryan Zimmerman's fourth annual 'A Night at the Park' fundraiser.

Matching the record turnout of the event was an equally popular headlining music act in the form of San Francisco-based rockers Third Eye Blind, who share a common bond with the third baseman as both are represented by leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency.

Beyond a rousing concert from one of the most popular bands of the last decade or so (more than 10 million albums sold), attendees to yesterday's sold-out affair enjoyed plenty of complimentary food and beverages from world class sponsors, including popchips!, Coca-Cola, Miller Lite, and Papa John's.

In addition to ticket sales -- some of which went as high as $500/each for VIP packages (again, sold-out) -- a seemingly endless array of both silent and live auction prizes dotted the concourse of Nats Park, with everything from signed sports memorabilia to exotic vacation getaways to one-on-one time with Zimmerman himself up for bidding.

Proceeds from 'A Night at the Park' benefit the ziMS Foundation, which is a nonprofit that Zimmerman himself launched, along with his parents Keith and Cheryl, to give back to the community and help find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS).

In 1995, Cheryl Zimmerman was diagnosed with the chronic and unpredictable disease that affects the body's central nervous system. Her medical condition served as a key influence on Ryan's personal development growing up and, once signed to the Washington Nationals, he was determined to use his sports star status to make an impact.

Since the ziMS Foundation was first founded, it has returned more than $1,000,000 (excluding last night's record $300,000 haul) to the community, including a $150,000 donation to the University of Virginia's Department of Neurology earlier this year and repeated donations to the National Capital Chapter of the National MS Society and D.C.-based dreamMakerS.

As in all three prior years, many of Zimmerman's fellow Nationals, in addition to Redskins and Capital players, joined in on yesterday's festivities to mingle with fans and show their support.

A Night at the Park is, after all, best enjoyed when surrounded by friends.