The third annual Bat for a Cause covered all the bases for attendees who witnessed a nail-biting game of baseball between local police and firefighters.
The Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association hosted the yearly baseball game Aug. 14 in Windsor. In total, the event raised $912 to benefit the 2022 Weld Walk to End Alzheimer's, scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Lincoln Park in Greeley.
The walk through downtown Greeley will include breakfast, live music, Alzheimer's and dementia resources for the community and more, according to Kristen Sigg, chairwoman for the 2022 Weld Walk to End Alzheimer's.
About 50 community members showed up for Bat for a Cause to watch the Round Robin tournament with five teams, including the Greeley Police Department, Weld County Sheriff's Office, Windsor Police Department, Goodfellas Bail Bonds and Firefighters of Greeley.
"Having these types of events, I feel, is very important for causes," Alzheimer's Association committee member Laura Lekang said. "Fundraisers don't have to draw in thousands of dollars to be successful. It lets people know there are services to help, people that have gone through the same things and people willing to fight to find a cure. It gives a strong sense of community and creates awareness."
The game ended with a final score of 14-13, according to Sigg, who said the Greeley Police Department stepped up to the plate to seize the victory and beat out their friendly rivals and last year's champion, the Firefighters of Greeley.
The competition remained close, up until the final inning when Commander Mike Heck hit a game-winning run to take the lead for the Greeley Police Department.
Police Chief Adam Turk, on behalf of the Greeley Police Department, said he felt honored to support the Alzheimer's Association for the third year in a row.
"Beating the Greeley Fire Department on a walk-off hit by Commander Mike Heck, by the way, was a great feeling," Turk said. "But it was not near as good as seeing the volunteers and athletes raise money for something as important as Alzheimer's research and awareness. The Greeley Police Department sends a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly putting on a fun event for local first responders."
The third annual Bat for a Cause on Aug. 14 in Windsor raised over $900 for Weld Walk to End Alzheimer's. Attendees showed up to support the cause and watch local first responders battle in a tight baseball game. (Courtesy of Kristen Sigg)
Bat for a Cause has continued to grow since it started with only two teams competing against one another three years ago, according to Lekang.
With a deep connection to the cause and favoritism to the baseball fundraiser, Lekang said plans for next year's game are already in the works with even more teams involved.
"I'm hoping to start pitting cities against one another," Lekang said. "We have started with first responders, but it seems we are getting more interest from civilians as well. So, we will see what teams we can stir up this next year."
More chances to help a good cause
The Alzheimer's Association is hosting another opportunity to benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer's, the Wing of Fire hot wing-eating competition.
The competition starts 5 p.m. Saturday at Greeley Pizza Co. Along with the contest, there will be live music, prizes and more. The entry cost is $25.
The Walk to End Alzheimer's is still in need of sponsors and teams. If anyone is interested, contact Sigg at (970) 302-0438 or kristen.sigg@gmail.com.
"When you are going through something such as Alzheimer's, sometimes you feel like you are alone," Lekang said. "No one can relate to you or what you have experienced. These events let people know we are out there to help and we won't stop fighting until we find a cure."
To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3CjbI2C.
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