Posted by Boog on August 25, 2008, 10:56 am
64.12.117.198
Toohey: A Furey-ous effort, from Hook to Nall
By Terry Toohey, Times Sports Columnist 08/22/2008
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Once again the people of Delaware County, specifically those in the softball community, came through in a huge way.
You came by the thousands to watch the best in Delco softball. Mostly, though, you came to give.
Women's ASA tournament director Joan Novino put the fundraising efforts for the 25th annual Daily Times/Exelon Champs 'n' Charity Classic, co-sponsored by MVP Sporting Goods of Aston, in its proper perspective.
"The people gave from the bottom of your hearts and the bottom of your pockets," Novino said.
You gave even though gasoline prices are at an all-time high. You gave despite a faltering economy. You gave, in some cases, to remember family members and friends who have been affected by this dreaded disease.
The final numbers are still being calculated, but this much we can say: The Delco softball community raised approximately $35,000 in fundraising sales, cash gifts, pledges, and prize donations for the benefit fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Thank you. Thank you. A thousand times, thank you.
There would be no Champs 'n' Charity Classic without the people of Delaware County and your generosity.
We have now raised more than $450,000 in the 23 years the tournament has been played for the benefit of the American Cancer Society.
"The 25th year was a great success, on the field and in our fundraising efforts," men's NSA tournament director Jim "Boog" Laird said. "This is the first time in two decades that we did not have a forfeit in the men's slow pitch division. The modified and the women's tournaments ran smoothly, and everyone came through for the charity. There were a lot of folks who were introduced to a different brand of softball with the 53-foot mound, 70-foot bases and the 6-10 foot arc in the men's NSA slow pitch tournament and it was very well received."
Besides you, the generous people of Delaware County, there are many people we have to thank. Without them, this event would not have taken place.
We could not have had this tournament without the efforts of tournament directors Laird, Novino and Bob Canfield in the modified ASA tournament.
Once again, the fields were in terrific condition. Mickey McLaughlin made sure Father Nall was ready and maintained throughout the weekend. We also thank Pete O'Keefe in the Ridley Township Recreation Department for his assistance.
Joan Morrison in the Upper Chichester Rec Department and Bruce Johnson from the Upper Chi Highway Department, along with the Upper Chi highway department guys did their usual magnificent job at Furey Road. Bruce Dorbian and the highway guys from Marcus Hook had Mickey Vernon Park looking as elegant as its namesake.
There would be no tournament without our chief sponsor, Exelon, and we are greatful to co-sponsors Lou Maroney Sr. and Fran and Lou Maroney Jr. from MVP Sporting Goods of Aston.
Howie Lamplugh, James Moore Painting; HY Power Washing & Painting; B.R. Speakman Painting; the Journal Register Company; state Rep. Tom Killion (R-168) of Middletown; Kellogg Company; Star Loan Auto Sales, Clifton Heights & Star Loan Auto Sales; Boog and Betty Laird; Marcus Hook Slow Pitch League and Winners Circle Sports donated the prizes for the benefit fundraiser.
Umpires Tom Conn, Bob Dukes, Joe Reavey, Bernadette Murphy, Marilyn McGlinsey, Walt Rozniakowski, Albert "Tink" Duranto, Rich Higgins, Ed Kivitz and Creighton "Doc" Moat donated all or part of their time calling games throughout the weekend.
The Marcus Hook League provided the softballs in the men's NSA slow pitch division. Canfield supplied the balls for the men's modified tournament. Ed "Topper" Corcoran donated the balls for the women's ASA slow pitch tournament.
Bob Hornsby of bobhornsby.com made on-line sales possible for the first time in tournament history.
Kudos to the tireless efforts of our charity MVP award winners Matt Moore (Tom "T.C." Clark) and Gigi Laird (Barbara "Pickle" Prettie Memorial Award).
Laird and the members of the Marcus Hook Ladies Auxiliary helped with sales and ran the concession stand at Mickey Vernon Park. Mike Metzler helped out again. Gene Taylor from the Marcus Hook/Trainer Fire Company was a huge help, as usual. Regina Willett and Marianne Toohey, Janet DiIorio, Theresa Dunbar, Meghan Brogan and Patty Ann Mulvihill helped make things run smoothly at Father Nall.
We can't forget the person who shall remain anonymous who provided the P.A. system at Nall for the weekend. Karen McLaughlin kept the snack bar going at Nall. Dave Willett, Sean Sullivan and Drew Parent helped at Furey Road.
There are many others we have to thank. We'll take care of everyone once the total is determined.
Once again, though, the Champs 'n' Charity Classic was a roaring success.
"It was the best one ever," Novino said. "It tied everything we've done for the last 25 years together. Every year is great, but this was the icing on the cake."
Terry Toohey is the assistant sports editor of the Daily Times. To contact him, e-mail ttoohey@delcotimes.com.
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