The annual two-day Ben Event was held in Macungie Park recently in honor of Ben Yorgey, a young man who was born Jan. 15, 1985, to Kent and Ardyth Yorgey. He was raised in Macungie. At an early age, Yorgey was diagnosed as mentally disabled. His school years were spent in the East Penn School District and he graduated at the age of 21.

On May 7, 2009, Yorgey died from anoxic brain injury caused by a seizure. Yorgey's life was one of love. His wish was for everyone to live their lives for every moment with the same joy and enthusiasm he did. "Never meet a stranger. There is no such thing. Love everyone," Ben was known to say.

The goal of the Ben Yorgey Foundation is to assist graduating special education students in Lehigh and Carbon counties as they begin their postgraduate lives. Long range goals include reaching out to additional counties and establishing a transition school/facility in Lehigh Valley for graduating special need students.

This year's Ben Event included softball, T-shirt launches and a chance to meet the IronPig girls. There was music by "The Large Flowerheads," playing classic 60s music. There was a 5K race, a half mile Run/Fun Dash, breakfast, one-mile walk, a block party, a soccer tournament, Special Olympics swim meet, Chinese auction and a Wheels of Time Cruise Night.

A number of individuals and businesses sponsor this event.