By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
More than 150 women came together on Aug. 8 for a marathon softball tournament to raise money Belicia Nunez, who has been struggling with health problems her whole life. Here, Belicia throws out the first pitch of the tournament.
On Sunday, Aug. 8, the 3rd Annual “Diamonds are Forever” softball fundraiser took place at Plunkett Park. More than 150 women came together for a marathon softball tournament, all to raise money for the family of Belicia Nunez, who has been struggling with health problems her whole life.
Four years ago, Elmhurst moms Courtenae Trautmann and Kathy Juskie thought a friendly softball game among elementary school moms would be fun.
“Never did we believe that it would become an event that brought all corners of our community together for the single goal of making a child’s life a little better,” said Trautmann. “However, as we sit here today, with more teams than we’ve ever had, more volunteers, more sponsors, more love — what we’ve realized is that softball may have brought us together, but the passion and love of this community is what keeps us coming back — that and a little revenge!”
Trautmann especially wished to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and the athletes who took part in the event.
“We are thankful for … the amazing Paige Greeves who sang ‘America the Beautiful’,” she said, “and the always generous John Vincent, who sang for us and then left [for] Wrigley Field to sing the National Anthem at the Crosstown Classic!”
This year’s winners, Diamond Day Drinkers, went undefeated in their quest for the championship.
And they all can’t wait until next year.
