Businesses invited to bat for charity; home run derby free for public to attend
Last year’s winning team sponsored by Digital Innovation: [from left to right] John Hayden, Conor Reynolds, Chris Festa and Tim Kutcher
Harford Family House is hosting their 10th annual “Home Runs for the Homeless” fundraiser on Tuesday, July 24 at Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen. Businesses are invited to sign up teams of four and swing for the fences as the local nonprofit raises money to end homelessness for families with children. This family-friendly event is free for members of the general public to attend from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. as teams compete to hit the most home runs.
Over the past 10 years, “Home Runs for the Homeless” has raised more than $253,000, helping to provide transitional housing for homeless families with children and permanent supportive housing for homeless families where one of the adults has a diagnosed disability. The nonprofit also provides crucial education and case management to homeless families, so they can work toward wholeness and become productive members of society; a hand up, not a hand out. To-date, the organization has helped more than 600 families since its inception.
“Home Runs for the Homeless” has also gained a decade of loyal supporters. Harford Mutual Insurance Company will be the event’s presenting sponsor and Jones Junction will be the event’s grand slam sponsor - each for the tenth year in a row. Local law enforcement teams are also a staple, with the Aberdeen and Bel Air police departments and Harford County Sheriff’s Office all hitting hard in hopes of winning the coveted “Officer’s Cup” award.
[from left to right] BJ Alaimo, Donna Stein, Frank Kellner and Jack Griffin representing Harford Mutual Insurance Company, the event’s presenting sponsor since Home Runs for the Homeless’ inception.
“We are fortunate to have the support of so many compassionate companies and individuals,” says CEO of Harford Family House, Robin Tomechko. “Be it fly balls or home runs, we are proud of everyone who comes to bat each year to help end homelessness in Harford County!”
Batters will enjoy a day of friendly competition, lunch courtesy of Chick-fil-A, the opportunity to win a variety of awards (such as the Georgia Peach, awarded to the female batter with the highest score) and a picnic-themed outdoor dinner reception emceed by Pete Gilbert from WBAL-TV 11 with ballpark fare including pulled pork and hot dogs.
Registration is also available to interested individuals who will then be paired with additional team members. Sponsorships are still available but selling out quickly. To sign up, sponsor or donate, visit www.harfordfamilyhouse.org.
About Harford Family House – www.harfordfamilyhouse.org
Harford Family House is the largest provider of transitional housing for homeless families with children in Harford County. Other programs include HUD Supportive Housing for homeless families where one family member has a disability, Wheels for Work, providing transportation to and from work while helping families work toward car ownership, and Ready by 21, a program to support unaccompanied young adults ages 18-21 who are involved with the foster care system. Clients are provided with a fully furnished apartment or house and receive case management services and referrals to partner agencies to move them from homelessness and despair to hope and independence.
