BATtle for a Cure softball tournament to celebrate 10 years of giving
By Robbie McKay Lincoln News • May 16, 2019
MILLINOCKET – Every spring, young and old alike take to softball fields to enjoy the “companion” sport to baseball. This weekend, sixteen teams of athletes will be doing just that while they raise money for some very important causes.
The BATtle for a Cure Softball Tournament is in its 10th year of raising funds for deserving charities/organizations. This year the proceeds will go to the Oncology Department Renovation Project and the Northern Lights Foundation towards research and patient care. One of the event organizers, Tiffany Stanley, said this year’s event marks the 10th year anniversary of what started as a labor of love by Angela A. Morrow who was battling cancer herself.
“This tournament is in memory of Angela A. Morrow,” said Stanley. “If she were still here she’d be so thankful and amazed and what she started has turned into,” she said.
The action all starts at 8 a.m. at both the Elks and Delahanty softball fields, and Stanley says that all sixteen team slots have been filled. She also said that this year’s generous sponsors have already donated over $7,000 even before the weekend begins when pledges and donations will be rolling in.
Another important part of the weekend is the Kids 1 Mile Walk/Run, hosted by the “Katahdin Angels” and Millinocket Regional Hospital. Katie Mackin, Marketing Director for MRH explains how this event is important to the community.
“The Eighth Annual Kids 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is such a great way to get the kids of all ages involved in a cause greater than themselves,” said Mackin. “These kids amaze me. Their drive and determination is an inspiration and the fun they have is contagious!” she said.
Participants may register starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Elks Field at the airport. The race starts at 10 a.m. and runners/walkers will be escorted by Penobscot Sheriff Deputy Marty Legassey and other law enforcement members from both East Millinocket and Millinocket. Parents and/or guardians are encouraged to take part as well, and strollers will be allowed but bicycles will not. Participants are encourage to bring pictures or a drawing of the people they are doing this for which will become part of a tribute wall. After the race, there will be a wrap up ceremony along with cool down refreshments and a bounce house as well.
“The 2018 Kid’s 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk had 23 participants who had a whole lot of fun and raised $1,700 in the rain,” said Mackin. “I can’t wait to see how much fun we’ll have again this year,” she said.
Those wishing to become part of this weekend or those with any questions are asked to call 723-7273.
An added event on Friday night will support and raise funds for the family of Detective Ben Campbell who was killed earlier this spring while on duty. See the separate article in this issue of the Katahdin Area/Lincoln News.
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Home Run Derby To Benefit Campbell Family
By Robbie McKay
MILLINOCKET – A Friday night home run derby will kick off the 10th Annual BATtle for the Cure weekend, and the proceeds will be going to the family of Detective Ben Campbell. Campbell was killed earlier this spring while on duty, and now the community will be taking part in an event that will not only honor him, but support his loved ones as well.
The “Bombs for Ben” Home Run Derby will kick off Friday night at the Elks/Airport softball field. Organizer Tiffany Stanley said this will be a very important part of the weekend.
“As a player in this tournament, as well as the Maine State Troopers being a long time sponsor of the tournament, we wanted to do something special to pay tribute to the sacrifices they make for us, and especially dedicate this to Ben,” Stanley said.
Participants will pay to enter the contest, and the one with the greatest amount of home runs wins. In addition to the derby, there will also be a raffle with the prize being a dovetail bat in honor of Detective Campbell. All proceeds of the derby and the raffle will be given to his family.
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About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital nestled at the base of Baxter State Park that provides vital healthcare services to those who live, work and play in the Katahdin Region. Beyond the friendly staff and award-winning patient care, MRH provides an impressive range of specialty and general services; with a recent expansion resulting in the addition of eight new specialties and a Walk-In Care facility. In 2018, MRH was awarded the Press Ganey ‘Guardian of Excellence Award’ for exceptional patient experience; a nationally-recognized symbol of achievement for hospitals who consistently perform within the top 5%. Providing jobs to approximately 250 people, MRH is the largest employer in the Katahdin Region and a crucial economic driver within its community. For more information, please visit www.mrhme.org or www.facebook.com/MillinocketRegionalHospital