Old Westbury, N.Y. -The New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation hosted more than 100 children at the third annual "Night Out on the Bears" community engagement event.

Held on Dec. 4, 2009 at NYIT's Old Westbury campus, "Night Out on the Bears" gave parents from the community an opportunity to enjoy an evening out while student-athletes and staff cared for their children in a safe, healthy, and fun-filled environment, free of charge. Activities included a nutritious dinner, catered by NYIT's Department of Food Services, as well as light-hearted lessons and literature on healthy eating from NYIT's Department of Clinical Nutrition.

The NYIT Student Government Association (SGA) sponsored the arts and crafts station, providing a face painter and balloon artist as well as 10 volunteers to assist the children with the creation of holiday crafts.

"I am so very proud of the combined efforts of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and the SGA, in making this community engagement a staple for our athletics department," noted Director of Athletics Clyde Doughty Jr. "This event has grown in scope and size each year, and continues to provide the community with an outstanding experience that the children and parents remember for years to come."

Those sentiments were echoed by Amanda Leinart, whose daughter Jessica attended the event. "Jessica had a wonderful time at Night Out at the Bears and I had a quiet dinner with my 18 year old, which is a rarity these days. Jessica is already asking when she can come back for another event. She could not stop talking about how nice the counselors were. I appreciated the free time (and price) and Jessica just had so much fun. We are already looking forward to next year."

-Provided by NYIT Sports Information department.