Friends and family of B.J. Barker, who died April 2011 at age 28 of cystic fibrosis, are holding a softball tournament fundraiser in his memory for a local child in need.
The event is Saturday, June 16, at the McComb Sports Complex and will benefit 4-year-old Race Willoughby, who has Berkitt’s Lymphoma.
Tournament organizer Allison Brown said the annual tournament, in its second year, will benefit a different child in need each year.
Tournament organizers said Race, the son of Chris and Kristie Willoughby of Summit, started feeling ill a few of months ago, and doctors found tumors on his spine. He is undergoing chemotherapy.
“We just want to do this in honor of B.J. to help local families that are in need,” Brown said. “Race was the child who we felt like could use the money the most.
“Having a child with an illness myself I know how costly it is,” said Brown, who has a daughter with cystic fibrosis. “I know that family needs all the help they can get right now.”
Organizers are looking for co-ed 7-and-3 teams, said Brown.
“But we don’t discriminate,” Brown said. “We will take all-girl teams or 8-and-2 co-ed teams — whatever.
“We’re just trying to keep it fun and for the family,” Brown said. “We want to keep it enjoyable. Kids, families and people that have never played before played last year. It’s to help the family in need, so we try to keep it where everyone can get involved.”
Teams can pre-register with Brown by Thursday the 14th and pay the registration fee of $175 the day of the tournament, Brown said. The complex will supply softballs.
Brown said last year’s fundraiser helped Barker’s family pay for his headstone and for medical bills. The event drew 18 teams. So far, 16 have signed up, Brown said.
“It was the biggest tournament the complex’s had since it opened,” Brown said. “We are having it at the complex. That brings a lot of people into the community.”
Admission is $175 per team, Brown said.
“And its like a raffle ticket or like a door prize, and the winner gets a Combat batting bag and a pair of batting gloves,” she said.
Raffle tickets are on sale for $3. In the first drawing the winner gets a T.P.S. softball bat and in the second drawing the winner will get a Wilson fielding glove, Brown said.
They will be selling t-shirts and other items at the benefit but Brown said raffle tickets can be purchased now.
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For registration and ticket information, call Brown, 341-1690; or call 600-1133 and ask for Beth.
