“Let’s send these young men off in style,” Opp Mayor John Bartholomew said Monday as he invited the public to a city-sponsored send-off reception for the city’s World Series bound 12U All-Star baseball team.

Bartholomew said the reception will be held tonight from 5-7 at the Opp Adult Activity Center, which is located near the stadium.

“We want you all to come and see these young men and maybe put some money in the jar,” he said. “We’re going to have cake, snacks and drinks. The city is putting this on for them, and we’d love to have a good showing.”

The team has been actively fundraising to pay for travel costs for the trip to the 12U Babe Ruth Baseball World Series in Hammond, Ind.

The team will be staying from Aug. 9-16 and must cover food and hotel costs. Airfare is covered by the Babe Ruth Association. Parents must provide for their own trip expenses.

To help with travel expenses, the city council approved a $1,500 appropriation Monday.

Others wishing to donate may make donations to the Opp Cal Ripken account at Southern Independent Bank.