Friday, July 29, 2011

Team Laffalot Hosts 2nd Annual Benefit Home-Run Derby


SOUTH BERWICK—
Come take Team Laffalot out to the ballgame as they host the Second Annual Field of Dreams Home-Run Derby to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The event, which takes place on Sunday, July 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Marshwood High School, invites batters to come up to the plate and take a hit in battling this disease that effects the lives of so many!
“We wanted to provide the community with an old-fashioned day of fun while also raising funds for this great cause,” said Kerry Hoyt, the team’s captain. What began four years ago with four friends taking part in the 39-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer has now grown to 13 members strong! Team members have walked in Boston, Washington, DC, New York City and plan to walk in Charlotte, North Carolina this October.
“Our goal is to walk in all nine states where the event is held so that men and women can receive the medical care they need and so that research teams can continue to search for a cure,” explains Sue Page. The team has raised $50,000 for the cause thus far and would like to bring this total to $75,000 this year!
Team Laffalot hopes that this event will help them achieve their goal. This event is all about baseball! To make it fun and fair for all, there will be six age divisions with prizes awarded to both the male and female winners in each group (ages 9-12, 13-14, 18 - 29, 30 – 39 and 40+). An additional division has been added this year for children ages 5 – 8. The Buoy Bat, designed and created by local resident Bill Page, will be available for these younger contestants. The bat, an actual buoy on a stick, is light, safe and makes the ball easier to hit. The buoy bat will be available to anyone who’d like to give it a try. Other opportunities for prizes result from striking one of the many pink flamingos adorning the field or hitting an Uno’s pizza box. The derby even has the equivalent of the Green Monster! Hit the Kittery Trading Post sign in the field and win a gift certificate to the store. Each batter receives three pitches and there will be an overall winner for the person hitting the most home runs. Participants may register individually or as a team with up to 10 batters (suggested donation $10.00 per registrant, $25.00 includes a t-shirt). To register visit: www.zvents.com/z/south-berwick-me/2nd-annual-field-of-dreams-home-run-derby--events--159337705!
While the main attraction is baseball, the ladies of Team Laffalot wanted to ensure there was something for everyone. Visit Carnival Row where face painting, balloon animals, a dunking booth, and a button making station are some of the fun activities available. Old-fashioned ball game treats such as popcorn, cotton candy and even snow cones can be found here. The little Laffalots, children of team members, will be working for the cause by selling cracker jacks throughout the day! New this year is the Pretty in Pink booth where guests of all ages can be pampered by having a makeover or manicure. Also new this year is the pizza-tossing contest sponsored by Uno Chicago Grill Restaurant. Learn how to toss a pizza like a professional from their own chefs. The winner of the kids’ contest will receive a pizza party for 10. Every adult who participates will receive coupons for appetizers at the restaurant! Finally, listen to music while enjoying heartier fare including fruit salad, beef and chicken skewers, and hot dogs and burgers from Nature’s Way Market.
Be sure to visit Inspiration Station sponsored by the Marshwood Education Foundation. At this booth, visitors will be provided with supplies to create signs with the names of anyone they know who has been touched in some way by this disease. Early visitors will be invited onto the field with their signs during the Opening Ceremony.
“Everyone knows someone who has been effected by this disease,” said Kathy Bousquet, “and gathering together during the opening ceremony really lets us know that we are all in this together.”
The ceremony will include a performance by Muchachos, a competitive drum and bugle corps, who entertain audiences throughout New England. The first pitch will then be thrown out by Bousquet and Rebecca Woodman, both breast cancer survivors.
“We need to beat this disease for all,” said Ms. Woodman, “I don’t want anyone to have to go through it.”
This old-fashioned event with a modern twist is made possible by the efforts of many. “We couldn’t do it alone,” Jen Houghton states, “it is the generosity and support of so many local businesses, community members, family and friends that has made this team a success.”
Photo caption: On Sunday, July 31, Team Laffalot will host their Second Annual Field of Dreams Home-Run Derby at Marshwood High School to support the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. (Courtesy photo)