Teams sought for Bohanon charity softball tourney
Many Southwest Florida families are unable to afford Christmas gifts this year, especially with recovery efforts under way after Hurricane Ian that are making matters worse.
That isn’t going to stop the Tommy Bohanon Foundation from spreading holiday cheer as it will host its third annual charity softball tournament at the Northwest Cape Coral Softball Complex on Saturday, Nov. 27, to help local families in need enjoy the holidays this year.
Teams are still being sought for this annual event, one of the big fundraisers the foundation has throughout the year.
This year’s event will not only be the usual toy drive, but also a Hurricane Ian relief drive so families can get the things they need to help get through the day.
“Because of the storm we wanted to do a little more to help all the families in need because of the mass destruction we had in Southwest Florida,” Bohanon said. “We’ve had a bigger outreach than we’ve ever had. People are looking for ways to help and it’s a fun day to help your community.”
So far, eight teams have signed up, which is what they usually get. Bohanon said they expect to get as many as 12 and perhaps more. Usually, it’s companies that form teams, but unaffiliated competitive teams have also come out.
The softball tournament is open to the public and admission is one unwrapped toy per spectator. The whole family can enjoy elite softball games, a 50/50 cash raffle, bounce houses, holiday crafts, food trucks, a visit from Santa Claus, and more.
Money raised during this event will stay local and go directly towards purchasing gifts and hurricane relief necessities for families and children in Southwest Florida.
The toys are bought at Walmart and other stores in the area, with the stores getting notice they are coming. The toys are then distributed to needy families at the Living Word Ministries in North Fort Myers.
Each year, numerous families line up on Old 41 to receive this generosity from Bohanon and many others.
Last year, the Tommy Bohanon Foundation softball tournament raised $18,000. The foundation hopes to surpass that and provide further support with recovery efforts compounding issues that make the holidays challenging for some local families.
“We’re getting close to what we raised last year. We’re still reaching out for sponsorships for the tournament as well as those who just want to donate for toys,” Bohanon said. “Southwest Florida is a group of proud people. Any time people are in need, we band together and rise above our circumstances. For us to have a day like this is incredible. People willing to step up and help their neighbor.”
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young athletes to reach their highest potential on and off the playing field and ending generational poverty for at-risk youth.
For more information or to sign up your team for the tournament, visit TommyBohanonFoundation.org or call 239-671-0441.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com