With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up in October, Tamara Lawrence is once again raising funds for breast cancer research with her sixth annual Help Save Second Base Slo Pitch Tournament held in Leslieville Sept. 9 and 10.
Teams have increased from 18 last year to 24 this year, making it challenging to give each team enough time to play. With only two diamonds to work with, the games are being kept to about an hour and 15 minutes. Lawrence wants to keep the event small and in Leslieville.
“Nobody has issues and everyone gets along,” she said.
Lawrence intends for participants in the tournament to enjoy the weekend while taking part in an event geared towards raising research funds for a less than enjoyable disease.
“The support for this event is so great,” she said.
Each team paid $400 with all funds raised going to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
The cost of the event is kept to a minimum with support from Lawrence’s community. Leslieville Slo Pitch donates the diamond rental. Little John’s from Red Deer will be sponsoring the event with portable toilets. The Allen Christie Band, a country music group from Rocky Mountain House will provide entertainment. Three decaled cups per team have been donated to celebrate the unique touch players bring to the games.
With the economic downturn, raffle items were tough to collect this year, however, 50/50 tickets will be sold at the event to provide participants with another way to donate.
Lawrence has a personal connection with the cause as her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. Since cancer is hereditary in Lawrence’s family, she is motivated to keep the tournament going strong to raise more funding for research.
Last year $9,432.75 went to the Canadian Cancer Society in honour of a good friend the Lawrence family lost the weekend of the tournament. The society supported him and his family through his battle with cancer. $6,380 was donated to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Donations to the foundation can be made by contacting Tamara Lawrence by telephone at 403-373-1209.
