Sept. 21, 2011
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF softball team will bring the community together Saturday afternoon as it Hosts Swing 4 Life, its first ever charity event supporting the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. (FOJ) The event will take place at the UCF Softball Complex from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free of charge.
"Swing 4 Life is special because it raises awareness for a great foundation," FOJ intern and UCF softball player Allie Jest (Stone Mountain, Ga.) said. "They have so many college teams that have signed up to be a part of this organization but they don't have enough kids for all of them."
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumours and their families by matching each child with a collegiate or high school athletic team. FOJ was formed in 2005 and has grown tremendously throughout the years.
"Swing 4 Life combines the sport I love with a foundation that has changed so many kids' lives for the better," Jest added. "I have always enjoyed working with kids and although I don't get the opportunity to work with them all directly, I hope Saturday helps to change some of their lives."
The event will begin with a social for all the FOJ matches and their families beginning at 11 a.m. in the UCF Softball Stadium hosted by the Knights.
The community aspect of the event will begin at 2 p.m. and will include carnival styled games, food and lots of fun. There will also be softball challenges at 3:30 followed by a homerun derby to cap off the night at 6 p.m.
Special hosts include FOJ intern Djenane Paul, FOJ parent Karen Clark and Denise Murphy from the foundation.
The UCF softball team joined FOJ two years ago when it welcomed Katie (Kay) Clark into its family. The Knights look forward to the afternoon that is sure to be filled with fun, family and community involvement.
"It is such a blessing to have Kay as a part of our softball family," UCF head softball coach Renee Gillispie said. "This is a wonderful opportunity we have here to give back to such an amazing and worthy organization."
UCF encourages teams to sign up for the softball challenges. Teams must have between 8-12 players and registration is $20 per squad. Players should bring their own gloves, and bats will be provided.
Individuals that would like to volunteer for the event can do so by selling raffle tickets, helping set up and break down, hosting families and running games. For more information please contact Karen Clark at kc33dc11@msn.com.