Pitching for Charity Donates $16,000 to Two Local Charities

            The 4th Annual Pitching for Charity softball tournament, pitting local realtors and businesses against firefighters from Madison Hose Co. No. 1 in an action-packed, old-fashion kickball game, raised more $16,000 for two local charities.

            Neighbor 2 Neighbor and the Madison Food Pantry each received a check for $8,000 today from the organizers of the day-long event held last month at the Surf Club.   Over the past four years, the Pitching for Charity event has raised more than $60,000 for these non-profit organizations.

            The event is sponsored by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Page Taft, Prudential CT, William Raveis and William Pitt Sotheby's International and the Madison Chamber of Commerce.  For the second consecutive year, the Fire Department walked off with the tournament trophy!

            The annual softball game was thrown a curve ball this year when the ballfields were not available on game day. The organizers rallied and enjoyed a fun day of kickball instead.

            Funds for the event are raised through area businesses sponsoring the event and activities at the event. This year, area businesses supported the event through inclusion in a "preferred vendor directory" that participating realtors will distribute to clients.

            "These checks we are able to present today are made possible by all the  businesses that supported  the event," said event Chair Alison Gould . "Success was also achieved by all the organizers working together for these two very important charities."

            The day-long event features the kickball game, a live auction, door prizes, a dunk tank, concession stand, and fun and games for young children.  This year, for the first time, the School of Rock also made a special appearance.