4th Annual Dave Taylor Memorial Softball Tournament Raises $10,000 for Hodges Family
By Chelsea Boling
The Hancock County community came together at South Hancock Park on Saturday for the 4th Annual Dave Taylor Memorial Softball Tournament, showing tremendous support for a young girl in need. This year, the tournament was dedicated to raising funds for 3-year-old Raelan Hodges, who was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year. Thanks to the incredible generosity and hard work of everyone in volved, the event raised a remarkable $10,000 to ease the financial bur den they are facing and make some memories with their family. The day was filled with activities that entertained all ages. Raelan kicked off the tournament by throwing the first pitch, with help from her mom. The tournament’s unique twist continued this year: a wheel was spun at the start of each inning to introduce a special rule. Teams had the option to donate $10 for a chance to spin again and potentially get a more favorable rule, adding excitement and unpredictability to the games. After a series of thrilling matches, Team Harris (sponsored by Lewisport Lions Club) emerged as the champions, securing their victory in a battle against Boling Chapel.
A special thanks goes to the dedicated umpires: Mike Boling, Daniel Boling, Logan Boling, Nick McCaslin, Tyler Kratzer, Kaleb Keown, Kolton Keown, Todd Roberts, and Chris Finley. (apologies if anyone was missed). Rob Roberts also deserves appreciation for his efforts in preparing the field, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The silent auction was a major highlight of the day, featuring over 60 donations from local businesses and individuals. The auction items ranged from handcraft ed goods to gift certificates for local restaurants, reflecting the community’s generosity. Wanita Lawson dedicated many hours to organizing and managing the silent auction.
Kids enjoyed the bounce house provided by Space Walk Inflatables, and John Garner organized a cruise-in car show that toured Hancock County before arriving at the park. Along with the car show, there was a bike show and bike raffle organized by Jamie and Mark Stephens. The raffle raised an impressive $1,243!
The concession stand was fully stocked to keep everyone satisfied.
John-Michael Morris donated delicious Bostonbutt sandwiches, and contributions from Hello Pop and Justin and Shanna Nugent ensured there were plenty of options for all tastes. Georgia Taylor, Mitchell Taylor, Becky Gaynor, Laura Duncan, Darrel Wall, Donna Wall, and Jay McCarty volunteered their time to run the stand. This tournament, which began four years ago to support Dave Taylor during his cancer battle, has evolved into a beloved annual event. We were honored to have several members of Dave’s family in attendance including his wife Jamie, dad Bill, sister Georgia, and nephew Mitchell. Jamie also contributed a basket for the silent auction featuring items from Dave’s personal Volkswagen memorabilia collection. The 4th Annual Dave Taylor Memorial Softball Tournament showcased the power of community and the incredible support of Hancock County. This year’s event reaffirmed that, in times of need, our community stands united, demonstrating compassion.
