What began as a simple idea from a Hudson Heat travel softball player grew into a community-wide effort to support charitable causes, with Hudson Girls Softball League players raising $2,380 during the fall season.
Following the success of the Hudson Heat travel softball program’s inaugural “Play It Forward – Play For YOUR Cause” tournament this past summer, the Hudson Girls Softball League (HGSL) and Hudson Heat boards of directors decided to bring the fundraising initiative to the recreational league.
The program invited all registered HGSL players to submit charities that were meaningful to them. Each team was assigned a cause, and players and coaches spent the season reaching out to family members, friends and community members to collect donations through an online fundraising site.
To add a little friendly competition, the league offered a $100 end-of-season team party award to the team that raised the most money.
All funds collected online went directly to the designated charities.
By the end of the fall season, three teams had raised a combined $2,380 for their chosen organizations.
The 10U team led the effort, collecting $1,615 for The TEARS Foundation.
The team earned first place in the fundraising competition and the $100 party award.
The 8U team raised $390 for the Hudson Food Pantry, while the 12U team collected $375 for the National Down Syndrome Society.
The 10U team’s fundraising effort was supported by coaches Brian, Kelly, Shauna, Matt, Ryan and Claire, along with players Madison C., Louella C., Olivia D., Caroline D., Madison E., Alana G., Gabriella G., Natalee L., Lilianna M., Madison N., Melina P., Nicole P., Lillian R. and Emersyn T.
According to Mandy Powers, assistant director of Hudson Girls Softball and an assistant coach with the 16U Hudson Heat travel team, the initiative demonstrates how young athletes can make a difference beyond the playing field.
The effort grew from one player’s idea into a league-wide project, bringing together players, coaches and families to support organizations serving people in need.
Through the program, Hudson’s softball players showed that teamwork extends beyond wins and losses, with their efforts benefiting charitable organizations in the community and beyond.