LEWISTON, Maine — Softball is traditionally a sport played in the spring and summer, but hundreds of Mainers will take the diamond next month.
The Maine Strong Memorial Foundation is preparing for its second annual softball tournament to benefit the families of the 18 victims of the Lewiston mass shootings last October. This year, the newly formed nonprofit has a goal of raising $350,000 for the families and for the Maine Resiliency Center, which provides support to those affected by the tragedy.
Abigail Cote and Stephanie Libby, the president and vice President of the organization, said they wanted to make this year's tournament "bigger and better" than last year because "that's what this community deserves".
After the tragedy last year, the two native Mainers and their team worked to organize a fundraising softball tournament to support those affected in any way they could. The event raised more than $200,000.
For the past year, Cote, Libby, and the nonprofit have worked on planning this year's tournament, which will feature food trucks, a kid zone, raffle prizes, and a silent auction.
So far, 47 teams have registered to play in the two-day event on Oct. 12 and 13.
The games will be played at the newly dedicated Ron Morin Memorial Fields at Randall Road in Lewiston and the Joe Walker and Tricia Asselin Memorial Fields at Pettengill Park in Auburn. The fields were dedicated in their honor after they were killed last October.
There is still time for you to register a team, donate to the fundraiser, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
"We want as much community involvement as we can from our local businesses or from Maine businesses in general," Libby said.
More information can be found here.
The nonprofit will not stop its efforts after this fall's tournament. In fact, Cote said it's just beginning.
“Because moving forward, we want to be able to help any Maine family that experiences unexpected tragedy," she added. “We want to be a resource for people to have one less thing to worry about financially when it comes to those unexpected moments in their life.”
Team registration ends on Oct. 1.