Even before the Bengals began their regular season with two straight victories, they were already winners in the hearts of thousands of youths.

        On Aug. 25, season ticketholders mingled with 7,000 needy children and chaperones from groups and neighborhoods throughout Cincinnati in the Bengals' preseason game with Buffalo, won by the Bills.

        Through the Urban Appalachian Council, the Santa Maria Community Services and the Neediest Kids of All, children met sports fans from Tryed Stone Missionary Baptist Church, the Special Olympics and the Mercy Franciscan at St. John Young Fathers Program.

        The Bengals and the Bills footed the bill for admission, food and in-stadium games as a way to bring people of various races and backgrounds together for a little fun. It was inspired by the race tensions from the April 7 police shooting of a fleeing, unarmed man in Over-the-Rhine.

        “We specifically invited guests who might never attend an NFL game or could otherwise be left out of mainstream Cincinnati events,” said G. Jeffrey Berding, Bengals director of sales and public affairs.

        “While a symbolic gesture, our ... event demonstrated to these kids that they matter, and that our sports teams can bring about the best in our city.”

        Originally, the plan was to invite 5,000 children, but area agencies increased their requests. No children were turned away, he said.

        “We thought that what we did that night was a small step, a symbol of a step that says, "We can be one city. We can feel good about ourselves.”

        Cincinnati police union members and the Sentinels brought children who enjoyed the game together. The Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce used the event for outreach to African-American-owned businesses.

        And various Cincinnati Public high school football teams showed up in uniform.

        A church youth choir sang a gospel version of the “The Star Spangled Banner.”

        “It was the most stirring national anthem we had heard,” Mr. Berding said. “People felt good about that night. You couldn't not take something away. Just to look up in the stands and see that many children. It was a tremendous sight.”

        That night some of the first public service announcements urging community harmony were aired on the big screens during the game.

        The Bengals and Ed Rigaud of the Freedom Center announced that the team had given $75,000 to the National Underground Railroad museum project. That was in addition to the $75,000 that Mike Brown and the team had already pledged and the $75,000 matching grant the team has offered to players and other NFL owners who contribute.

        The Freedom Center also kicked off its “Rush for Freedom” marketing program with two events during the game and in-stadium advertising.

        The NFL's own “Rush for Freedom” multiyear fund-raising and community relations efforts will build awareness of the role pro football has played in getting people of different races and backgrounds together. Linebacker Takeo Spikes is spokesman.

        “Sports teams can bring people together,” Mr. Berding said.

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