Today’s article is brought to you by the J.C. Barnett School of Jump Shooting. If your child has hoop dreams, Barnett’s Youth Basketball Training program can help them take the next step. Click the link below the ad for additional information.
On July 23, the Military Foundation, Inc., would have hosted its sixth annual charity softball event at Kokomo Municipal Stadium. Unfortunately, the event had to be canceled on account of thunderstorms and a power outage. But a little rain won’t stop them. A make-up date is already on the calendar, set for Sept. 24.
The charitable nonprofit corporation’s mission “is to recognize and support all military personnel, veterans, their families and military organizations in Cass, Howard, Miami and Tipton counties.” Kevin Summers, the Military Foundation Charity Softball Game Chairperson, mentioned more specifically, the committee seeks to help those, “that have a car that’s broken down, home repairs, any medical issues that may arise.”
Summers also mentioned that there is a vetting process. “We cover up to $1,000 and actually pay the bill,” he said. “We don’t hand out any money.”
Lifelong Kokomo resident and involved mother, Jenn Goad, tapped into the experience she has gained by watching her daughter play softball. She will have an opportunity to coach her daughter’s team at the rescheduled event, though the rain prevented that on July 29. There was some softball played, however. The first game of the day started with a group of young fast pitch softballers, ages ranging from 7th grade to 9th grade.
“As for our girls, they are a group of kids who love to play,” said Goad. “I was very proud to have so many girls volunteer to play. Their dedication to the game is unmatched.”
The Military Foundation board consists of eight members, Chairperson JR Dennis, VP Ruben Temple, and board members: Wilbur Slabaugh, Ocean Sharp, Deb Mumaw, Harold Vincent, Tera Beverly, and Summers. JR Dennis has served as chairperson of the foundation since 2014; two years after the Foundation began in 2012.
“The Military Foundation continues to do great work in our community, and I love seeing them include new generations in their mission,” said Goad.
Summers credits Norm Crawford, a former board member who had been in Illinois and saw a local military foundation there was having a charity game, raising funds for people in need.
“He brought that back to us about seven years ago, and we implemented it the next year,” Summers said. The hope for future events is that it will expand. “Possibly from Saturday evening into Friday,” he added.
Historically, the charity event brought together a number of different entities within the community to raise funds for military families. The event hosts a local celebrity game, and the Kokomo Fire Department, Kokomo Police Department, AFSCME Local 2185, UAW Local 685, IBEW Local 873, and girls fast pitch softball players all formed teams to raise funds with the help of team organizers Slabaugh and Lisa Tate.