USSSA East Gives Back – Makes More Than $21,000 in Charitable Donations in 2019
Pasadena, MD – Eight years ago, USSSA East launched a new event to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. The annual Save Second Base for Breast Cancer Awareness event was born and quickly became one of the most popular girls’ fastpitch softball tournaments in the region each fall. Building on that foundation, USSSA East developed 3 other charitable events to connect the softball community with important causes within the greater community.
Wins for Warriors, which raises money for wounded warrior charities and Strike Out Autism, which raises awareness and funds to help those with autism, were launched in 2016. T1D & Done was added to the USSSA East calendar in 2019 to raise funds to help those with Type 1 Diabetes. Since beginning to promote these charitable events, USSSA East has given back more than $90,000 to deserving charities.
“The softball community has really come together in the name of these important causes,” notes Andy Wisk, USSSA East Program Operations Director. “We are proud to be able to serve as a conduit to connect our participants to this community and help make a difference!”
In addition to event related donations, USSSA East also contributed $5,000 to Project 7 ½ at the Henry Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury, Maryland. Designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play the sports of baseball and softball, Project 7 ½ will construct a field between existing fields 7 & 8 at the Parker Complex. Field 7 ½ would become the hub facility for Challenger Little League on the Eastern Shore and include other special needs programs.
“Throughout the country, USSSA Fastpitch Softball has a culture of giving back. In just the last 3 years, USSSA Fastpitch Directors around the country have made more than $1.4 million in donations to 132 different charities. We are proud that our program is a part of this culture,” says Wisk.
In 2019, USSSA East made the following donations:
T1D & Done – $1,000 to JDRF
Strike Out Autism – $1,000 to Pathfinders for Autism
Wins for Warriors – $3,000 to Hero Dogs
Save Second Base for Breast Cancer Awareness – $2,500 to Women Supporting Women
Save Second Base for Breast Cancer Awareness – $7,500 to Aiello Breast Center
Project 7 ½ – $5,000
