Community Corner

5th Annual Charity Softball Event Aug. 24 in Highland

The Joe Kocur Foundation for Children will host its 5th annual softball series charity event on Saturday, Aug. 24. The Event will be held in special honor of Fenton student Jackson Gangwer.

Article by Pamela Ayres

The Joe Kocur Foundation for Children is proud to announce its 5th Annual Charity Softball Series on Saturday, August 24, 2013 in north Oakland County.  Duck Lake Pines Park, located at 1241 N. Duck Lake RD, Highland, MI will again serve as the event venue.  Gates open at 10:30 AM for parking.

The day will consist of four games featuring The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and MetroDetroit area celebrities.  Games are at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM and will also include the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters from Milford, Highland Township, White Lake and Oakland County. The opening ceremonies will feature singing of the National Anthem, the United States Color Guard, introduction of the celebrities and local law/fire enforcement teams and acknowledgement of the charity organizations. 

All proceeds will benefit multiple local children’s charities, comprising of Team Kendal Kidz, Wings of Mercy East Michigan, F.A.R. Conservatory, The Huron Valley Special Olympics and the Shannon Gaber Silverthorn-Lakeland High School Public Service Scholarship (for a student going into Law Enforcement or Fire Fighting).  The JKFC is also proud to honor the young life of Fenton student Jackson Gangwer during the program. His loving family will receive a portion of the raised money through ticket sales, auction items and sponsorships in the establishment of a hardship fund and to raise awareness for other families who suffer from devastating losses. 

Special alumni hockey and sports guests include Joe Kocur, Chris Osgood, Dino Ciccarelli, Darren McCarty, Manny Legace, Mickey Redmond, Eddie Mio, Wayne Presley, Petr Klima, Brian Smolinski, Jason Woolley, Steve Avery, John Ogrodnick, Dave Lewis, Dave Rozema, Eric Hipple and many more. Due to the overwhelming support of the participants at previous fundraisers, all are attending the event again to lend their time to the causes they hold in the highest regard.

During the event, attendees can enjoy food and beverage for a nominal charge. Little Caesars & Leos Coney of White Lake have already committed to providing plenty of yummy pizzas and hot dogs. Exciting raffle prizes will be awarded during the games, while attendees can also join in on the silent auction filled with fabulous items to bid on, including tons of signed sports memorabilia and gift certificates to local restaurants, spas and services.

Between games, you and your family can get an autograph from your favorite Red Wings or local sports celebrity. Kid’s area, named the Millwright Local 1102 Midway, will consist of numerous fun events, amusement rides and plenty of attractions.

Various viewing bleachers and tents will be set up along the path near the baseball diamonds for attendees to watch and cheer their favorite charity and local public services. We recommend bringing lawn chairs as bleacher space fills up and we anticipate attendance to top 2,500.

Tickets purchased in advance are $10.00 per person and $15.00 per person at the event. Children under 10 years old are free, as are autographs. All tickets purchased will go into a drawing for raffle prizes that will be awarded throughout the day of the event. Individual tickets may be purchased directly online at www.joekocurfoundation.org, http://2013kocursoftball.eventbrite.com/ or www.wingseastmi.org up to August 4th. Tickets will also be sold through the White Lake, Milford & Highland Township Police and Fire Departments, Bakers of Milford, South Lyon Hotel, and the Comeback Inn of Highland.

In addition, corporate sponsorships with fabulous incentives are available from $250 to $10,000. Ameriprise, Little Caesars, Leos Coney Island- White Lake, Oracle, and many more sponsors and donors have generously committed to partnering again with the foundation, while Pepsi and Meijer will serve as Title Sponsors. New patrons, donors and sponsors can inquire about pricing and additional information by emailing pamelaayres@farconservatory.org or calling Pamela Ayres at 248.444.0300.

About the Event

Originated in 2009 and based in North West Oakland County, the event founders wanted to sponsor an affordable gathering which would allow all families to have a good time, while providing money to local charities, and ultimately keeping the community in touch with the everyday needs of people who may not be able to reach out and secure required support.

All proceeds for 2013 will benefit local charities:



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