By Portia Williams
The Southern Ohio Medical Center (SOMC) Paint It Pink campaign is constantly evolving. The latest addition to the campaign is the Celebrity Softball Game to be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. at Branch Rickey Park, 25 Mary Ann St., in Portsmouth. Admission is free.
Sponsored by Portsmouth Vision Associates, The Celebrity Softball Game features local celebrities going to bat for breast cancer awareness.
“This is our very first Celebrity Softball game, and we are really excited about it,” Wendi Waugh, administrative director of SOMC Cancer Services and Community Health and Wellness said. “It is sort of the finale of our Paint It Pink events, and it’s going to be free, family fun. I just want to encourage the community to come out and have fun together.”
The event will also include breast cancer survivor ceremony and balloon release to be take place between inning games, dizzy bat, mascot race as well as other activities, and local vendors that will be present.
The Pink Team and the Blue Team will compete in the Celebrity Softball Game, with local celebrities.
On the Pink Team is Theresa Ruby, Dr. Suber, Ashley Spencer, Tasha Wilson, Leigha Tanner, John Harcha, Randy Arnett, Dr. Navo, Matt Roy, Jeff Hamilton, Ben Dunahue, Mike Mershon, Bill Rockwell, Jake Snyder, Ryan Stewart, Amy Flinders, Bryan Davis, and Pink Team Coach, Wendi Waugh.
On the Blue Team is Amy Hughes, Kim Bauer, Rebekah Clevenger, Hannah Dittoe, Samantha Cullum, Devan Scarberry, Steve Sturgill, Chris Moore, Derek Moore, Dan Shirey, Chad Knittle, Lauren Helbig, Brandon Griffith, Keenan Perry, Eric Putnam, Megan Ashton, and Blue Team coach, Mike Raies.
Skeeter Smith will throw the First Pitch, and Linda Donaldson is Catcher for the First Pitch. Both Smith and Donaldson are cancer survivors. The game will be umpired by Vicki Napierkowski. Survivor Registration will begin at 1 p.m., Survivor Balloon Launch at 2 p.m., 2:05 p.m., and player introductions at 2:05 p.m.
Additionally, the softball game will consist of five innings, in between first and second inning: Mascot Race—SSU Bear, SOMC Wellington the Health Hound, and Wendy’s Race the Bases. In between second and third innings: Dizzy Bat, in between third and fourth inning: Dance Off, in between fourth and fifth inning will feature the Pink Jello Eating Contest
The coaches of the team will have mics and will add entertainment throughout. The game will also be called by Trent Williams.
DJ Frankie Frank will provide music throughout the event. The event is free. Refreshments may be purchased at the concession stand. Materials containing cancer awareness and prevention information will also be available.
Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter@PortiaWillPDT.
