When local businesses team up for a common cause, the results can go long.
Guardian Angel thrift store did just that when it hosted its second annual home run derby fundraiser in South Park on July 21 with the sponsorships of 15 other businesses.
Contestants in the derby were given 10 hits with which to send baseballs as far out onto the field as possible. The distances of all 10 balls were calculated, and whoever had the highest number won.
Junior Price, a hall of fame softball player, won the Over-40 Men’s division with a distance of 280. Mike Griffin won the Under-40 Men’s division with the same distance. Melissa Bowling won the Women’s division with a 150 distance.
Guardian Angel raised $470 for Alzheimer’s research during the derby.
Local businesses donated items to be given to derby winners in prize baskets. Mort’s Trophies made and donated trophies for each division winner. Gift certificates to Logan’s Roadhouse, Bullfeathers’, Cooley’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Applebees’ also went into the prize baskets.
Smithfield’s also gave $20 gift certificates and T-shirts, and Extended Stay Hotels gave vouchers for two free nights for the baskets.
In addition to prizes, local businesses donated concession items for derby contestants and guests. Assaggio’s gave pizzas and Kroger and Harris Teeter gave chips and sodas.
Dolores Price helped coordinate the fundraiser and calculate contestants’ scores. She called her husband the “celebrity draw” as he signed autographs for guests.
“This is all run by volunteers. We started it last year. It was easier to do this year” because sponsors were already familiar with the fundraiser, Price said.
She credited 18-year-old Maya Brown with orchestrating the event.
“This is her derby. She coordinated the whole thing,” Price said.
Guardian Angel board member David Gaddis also praised the rising UNC freshman.
“She is a terrific individual. She did everything from recruiting sponsors to managing logistics…We’re lucky to have her as a part of the community,” Gaddis said.
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