An annual fundraiser that sees many slow pitch teams take to Lewis Park is returning for its third year.
Put on by the Comox Valley Rotary Club, the event aims to raise funds that will be distributed by the club to various community initiatives. According to Batfest lead Greg Chadwick, most of the funds raised at last year’s Batfest were used to help create a new ramp at the Comox Valley Childhood Development Association.
Chadwich says the event began through his involvement in the slow pitch community, and how eager they are to support community initiatives.
“Projects like that are a part of our mandate to just try and help those who are in need,” said Chadwick. “Some of it went to the food bank as well, we just find different initiatives around town that we can get behind.”
Twenty-two teams, around 260 players, will be heading into the fundraiser between July 28 and 30, however, Chadwick says it is not just for the competitors and will feature local vendors and activities.
“If they come down to be spectators, have a drink, have something from the concession stand, there’s 50/50 raffles that are happening throughout the weekend,” said Chadwick.
While this year might not have specific organization in mind for fundraising, Chadwick says their mandates this year are food security, environment, and helping those in need through the We Can Shelter.
He adds that seeing these events come together are heartwarming as people come together to provide for the community.
“It’s the core of what I love about the Comox Valley. There’s a million people out there in need and it seems like the community constantly steps up and tries to do everything they can to provide however they can,” said Chadwick.
“The support that we’ve seen from previous years and what we know will come for this year, it’s heartwarming to take it all in and know that the efforts we’re putting in are putting smiles on people’s faces.”
More information about the event can be found here.
