MLB, People Magazine and Washington Nationals Announce 30 "All-Stars Among Us" After 1.7 Million Votes are Cast

Bethesda, Md.'s Mark Bergel to be Honored at the 2010 All-Star Game on FOX and Featured in Special Pre-Game Ceremony July 13th at Angels Stadium Major League Baseball, PEOPLE and the Washington Nationals today announced Mark Bergel as the Nationals "All-Star" selection for the "All-Stars Among Us" campaign, which debuted in 2009 and recognizes individuals who are serving their communities in extraordinary ways. Out of the three "All-Star" finalists representing the Washington Nationals, Mark Bergel from Bethesda, Md., was chosen by fans across the nation for his community service through A Wider Circle, a non-profit organization which provides District residents with basic life necessities. Mark will attend and be honored during the pre-game ceremony of the 81st Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 13 on FOX beginning at 5:00 p.m. PT (8:00 p.m. ET) along with the other 29 "All-Stars Among Us," one representing each MLB Club. While volunteering with a local organization to deliver food to the hungry, Mark Bergel witnessed firsthand the difficulties individuals living in the Nation's Capital faced and founded A Wider Circle in 2001 to help impoverished residents secure a wide array of basic necessities, including food and furniture. A Wider Circle has since helped 50,000 individuals by providing furniture and other home items, hosting educational and health and wellness workshops, and offering classes and basic necessities for expectant teenage mothers. The Nationals will host a pregame recognition ceremony and send Mark off to the All-Star Game in style on Tuesday, July 6 when the team faces the San Diego Padres at 7:05pm. Fans across the nation cast 1.7 million votes - more than double the amount of votes from the previous year - at PeopleAllStars.com to select the 30 "All-Stars Among Us" winners out of the pool of 90 finalists who are serving as leaders within their communities.