LAC LA BICHE – A group of recreational ball players gathered at the Bold Centre ball diamonds on May 24 to compete in a slo-pitch tournament, raising $10,110 for the Lac La Biche Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.
Through the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program, teen and adult volunteers serve as mentors and are matched with youngsters in Lac La Biche-area schools.
Lori Beniuk, program facilitator for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Lac La Biche, says “it feels amazing” to raise funds for the program.
Beniuk explained that she and a friend came up with the idea to host an inaugural slo-pitch competition for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Funds raised from the event go directly to the local program.
“This was the first, and it went very well,” she said.
The participants who took part in the pickup draft-style, one-day tournament paid $35 each to enter. The organization also received a generous $8,600 in sponsorship from Lac La Biche-area companies, including a $5,000 donation from TC Energy.
“The sponsors are amazing . . . we have a great community,” she said.
As part of the slo-pitch tournament, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lac La Biche hosted a 50/50 draw along with an Edmonton Oilers ticket draw that Beniuk said raised an additional $1,000.
