Special to the OBSERVER
GERRY - Pink was the color of choice at the Little League field at the town park in Gerry, on June 9, as the annual Valley Little League held its first 'Hits for a Cure' game to raise money to promote breast cancer awareness, as well as money to help fund research efforts. The event raised more than $1,300.
The highlight game of the weekend featured the Sinclairville Mariners and the Cassadaga Reds, with both teams and their coaches, as well as the umpires and many of the fans in attendance, dressing in pink. The field got a makeover as well, as streamers and the lines on the field were done in pink. The Reds won the game.
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Pictured are members of the Cassadaga Reds and the Sinclairville Mariners, who met in the Hits for a Cure game, on June 9. The fundraising event raised over $1,300 for breast cancer awareness.
The idea for this event originated with Brad Barmore, a 2012 graduate of SUNY Brockport, who established a non-profit organization earlier this year to promote what he expects to be an annual event as part of the tournament. Barmore, who noted both of his grandmothers survived breast cancer, felt the fundraising event could bring awareness of the disease to even Little Leaguers and the fans in attendance. Barmore is being assisted by his father, Dean Barmore Jr., and Adrienne Bryerton. Dean Barmore Jr. is the acting vice president while Bryerton serves as treasurer.
Brad Barmore noted that he was pleased with the results for the first year of the event and hopes it will become bigger and better each year, becoming a highlight of the Valley League tournament.
The Valley Little League consists of teams from Gerry, Sinclairville, Cassadaga, Cherry Creek and South Dayton. The annual year-end tournament takes place in early June and consists of 18 games played at Gerry's town park field.
Funds raised came from sponsors, a 50/50 drawing and several raffles, including a Jamestown Jammers jersey and an autographed baseball and gift certificate from Wing City Grille, as well as the Bemus Point Casino. The pink hats were donated by B & L Wholesale, the socks by the Jock Shop and the umpires' shirts by Feegan's Witch Kitch Grill.
The first pitch was thrown out by Marlena Larson, a breast cancer survivor while Kira Spencer sang the National Anthem.
