Fire department to host 2nd dodgeball tournament fundraiser
The Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department on March 30 is hosting its second Charity Dodgeball Tournament to benefit the Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation.
Last year, more than 200 players, mostly local first responders, battled it out while raising more than $10,000 for the NICK Foundation.
This year, more than 200 first responders and some local businesses are planning to participate in the action at the Sparta Dome at Crown Point’s Sportsplex.
“Once we saw the success of it we thought it had to happen again,” said Crown Point firefighterparamedic Dale Holsti.
Holsti is the co-organizer of the event along with fellow Crown Point f i re f i g h t e r- p a ra me d i c Mark Reed.
“Everyone had so much fun last year,” Reed said. “The NICK Foundation is there in our time of need when we need them. We are encouraging the public to come out and help us help them.”
Holsti said to be able to meet some of the kids they were helping was a moving experience.
“It made it feel good and made it feel right,” he said.
This year’s opening ceremony will begin with the nation’s colors being presented by the Dream Scouts of Chasing Dreams Learning Center in Merrillville.
The NICK Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by a local family that experienced the effects of childhood cancer.
“Knowing your child has cancer brings a lot of uncertainty,” said NICK co-founder Kate Perschon. “There is nothing like having someone to turn to who has truly been there.”
Tickets for the tournament may be purchased before the event at the Crown Point Fire Station at 126 N. East St. for $10 or online on Eventbrite.
Admission includes food, and there will also be a silent auction along with raffle prizes including items such as gift cards, baskets, Chicago sporting event tickets and much more. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
The tournament is from 4 to 10 p.m. The Sparta Dome at the Sportsplex is located at 1355 E. North St.
Rob Earnshaw is a freelance reporter for the PostTribune.