United Way Softball Classic Raises $2,800

Darke County United Way with the help of Stebbins Field/GGSA put on the United Way Softball Classic on Sunday, October 20th. Ten coed teams competed in a double elimination tournament. “We are so thankful to all of our participants for supporting United Way and having fun playing softball to help so many in need. The Softball Classic supports the 28 local non-profit partner programs of Darke County United Way. Their competitive play helps us serve over 24,000 members in the community every year including our at-risk youth, those in crisis, those seeking self-sufficiency and our seniors strengthening education, health and stability,” said Lauren Henry, Executive Director at United Way. The original date of play was to be on October 6th, but Mother Nature had other plans, due to this ten teams competed but more donated sponsorships. The United Way was honored to have teams sponsored by CashMax, Gem City Tire, Greenville Federal, Greenwave-Greenville Schools, Hupman’s Lawncare, Leis Realty-Darren Leis, PolyOne, Second National Bank, State of the Heart Hospice, Wayne HealthCare and Whirlpool Corporation/Munchkins supporting the charity tournament. 1st place went to the team sponsored by Leis Realty-Darren Leis, 1st Runner-up went to Hupman’s Lawncare, 3rd Place went to CashMax, and 4th Place went to Gem City Tire.

The United Way had a wonderful staff at Stebbins Field helping for the day donating their time and would like to express a generous thank you to Shawn Shaffer, Eric Fellers, Randy Shell, Jason Leach & Galvin Strait and the rest of the crew. Our wonderful umpires donated their time to make the day a huge success - a special thank you goes to Justin Washington, Ron Price, and Jason Marion. “The United Way board and staff express sincerest thanks to the volunteers at Stebbins Field. They are a wonderful partner to make this event a success and we really appreciate their dedication to United Way. Thank you all so much,” states Lauren Henry. Many businesses donating items and services for the event as well adding to the success of the day. Thank you to Spirit Medical Transport for partnering with United Way to provide medical expertise and first aid, the staff did a nice job keeping everyone safe and comfortable. Thanks go out to Doug Shields Financial Services for game winning trophies, Chad Oler at Oscreen for softball t-shirts, Hot Head Burritos for the umpire gifts, Taco Bell for winning team gifts, McDonalds for participant coupons, and the following companies for raffle prizes: Columbus Blue Jackets, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, JT’s Brew & Grill, Hibbett’s Sports, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Scene 75, Wilds Safari at Columbus Zoo, Holiday World, Xavier Athletic Department, COSI, Greenville Federal and Wright State University Athletic Department.

The Darke County United Way would also like to express special thanks to a wonderful softball committee that worked very hard to plan and support the United Way Softball Classic including members: Brian Beam, Corey Eagle, Debby Folkerth, and Melissa Mansfield. Over $2,800 was raised to serve those in need in Darke County. On behalf of the board of directors and staff the United Way would like to extend a very gracious thank you to all of our participants, umpires, sponsors, spectators, Stebbins Field and the GGSA, and all of our volunteers. To learn more about United Way visit darkecountyunitedway.org. Send donations to 207 E Fourth St, PO Box 716, Greenville, OH 45331 to support your neighbors in need today!