Philip Sparn reporting
psparn@ClarksvilleNow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – More than a dozen members of the community played in an entertaining softball game and campaign season opener for the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region on Monday night at Mericourt Park.
The softball game was aimed to kick off the fundraising campaign for the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region and to get the community excited about the upcoming fundraising season.
The softball teams “Give” and “Volunteer” were made up of United Way members, contributors, volunteers and partner-agency representatives. The teams competed to win the game but were mainly focused on having a good time for a good cause.
The United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region raised approximately $925.000 in last year’s giving campaign, which was a 23 percent increase from the previous year. The captains of each team took centerfield after the game and revealed this year’s fundraising goal of $1,000,000.
For every player that crossed home plate with a score, a donation was made to the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region’s overall goal.
“It was good to see everybody round the bases to support education, health and income while having fun,” said Local United Way CEO Ginna Holleman.
Terrie Williams, executive director of the Crisis 2-1-1 Center, played in the softball game and emphasized that she had a blast participating and helping promote the United Way.
“It was a hoot,” said Williams. “And, it was all about helping members in our community.”
The softball game’s overall goal was to inspire collective efforts to pitch in support for those most in need, according to the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.
Holleman opened the softball game by emphasizing the inspiring words of Maya Angelou, renowned author and poet, “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands, you need to be able to throw something back.”
This year’s campaign chair Don Shrader threw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch in front of a crowd of United Way advocates at Mericourt Park’s softball fields.
Shrader urges the community to get involved in United Way’s community fundraising campaign.
“All of us working together can make a greater impact on the lives of those that need our support. We can accomplish more as a team than we can individually,” said Shrader in a press release. “This is what it means to Live United.”
United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region mobilizes partners throughout Houston, Montgomery and Stewart Counties in a united effort to respond to the critical needs of the community. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization relies solely on contributions and grants to advance the common good and provide funding to approximately 30 local non-profit partner programs.
The United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region partners with programs such as Meals on Wheels, Nurses for Newborns, the Adult Literacy Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville, the Crisis Information Center and many more.
“It was a fantastic evening with a lot of fun and energy,” said Holleman. “We hope the softball game kicks off the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region’s fundraising campaign to a great start.”
For more information about The United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region and their partner programs, visit their website at liveunitedclarksville.org or call 931-647-4291.
Photos by Philip Sparn | ClarksvilleNow.com