The Valparaiso Phoenix girls’ softball program helped raise $1,000 for Kids Alive International through its fundraiser, Bases for Bucks, this past Saturday. The money is earmarked for Haiti relief. 
Accepting on behalf of the charity was Mayor Jon Costas. Costas complemented the girls on their efforts and commented, “When a team works together it can always accomplish wonderful things.”
The Phoenix is a girls’ travel program run through the Valparaiso Parks Department. Presently there exists a 12U program as well as a 10 U program. “The girls were all aware of the crisis in Haiti through the nightly news reports and wanted to help,” said 10U coach Don Seifert. “One of the girls has a brother-in-law in the Marine Corp and he was recently deployed to Haiti to help with the relief effort. As a result, this situation became very real to our team,” said Seifert.
Kids Alive International is a charitable organization with its headquarters based in Valparaiso, Indiana. It has been in existence since 1916 and Costas sits on the board of the organization. 84% of the money raised goes directly toward services and there is already a facility in place in Haiti which helps meet the needs of local orphans as well as families.
This is a second year that the Valparaiso Phoenix program has been in existence. Last year, its 8U team played in the NSA World Series and finished in third place. The Phoenix teams are scheduled to play up to 12 travel tournaments this coming summer and as a result the fundraiser became a necessity to cover costs. For more information regarding the Valparaiso Phoenix girls softball program call Vis Kupsis at 219-762-6240.
To view photos from the Bases 4 Bucks fundraiser, click here.