Photos: 2nd Annual Softball Tournament Hits a Homerun

With the help of Hampton Bays and Southampton students, the second annual Softball-a-thon to benefit the non-profit Kids Stock the House organization of Southampton was held on Saturday with nearly 200 people in attendance.

Held at Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays, the event featured 9 softball teams, a BBQ provided by the Hampton Bays Fire Department, a DJ, a chance to meet Miss Long Island 2013 Jess Rico and Miss Long Island Teen Teen Lauren Doherty; and an awards ceremony. 

During the ceremony, two students were named "Most Charitable Players" — Hampton Bays High School Junior Amanda Kenny and Eddie McLaughlin, Jr., a Southampton High School Junior.

According to Kids Stock the House, Kenny was a team player, recycling cans to raise food and monetary donations for the event; wrote letters to stores and got gift cards donated; arranged for the firemen to do the cookout; and was instrumental in helping us secure Red Creek Park as a place to have the softball event. 

McLaughlin also did his part, working to spread the word about the tournament and raising $250 by talking to local businesses owners.

"Both charitable players of the game showed resourcefulness, creativity, and leadership," said Donna C. Oliverio, founder of Kids Stock the House.

Students who received a Certificate of Compassion included, Hampton Bays High School's Jr. Kasandra Phillips and Southampton High School juniors Christian Oliveros, Nick Burke, Angel Bautista, and CJ Collum. 

Kasandra Phillips, who was the chairperson for the first-ever Kids Stock the House Fourth of July float, helped decorate Red Creek Park for the softball tourney.

The community Softball-A-Thon started last summer when Billy Dzanoucakis, a Hampton Bays 9th grader, came up with an idea to bring the community together for athletic and altruistic purposes.  

Participating teams were as follows:

• Westhampton Care Center 
• Fuggedaboutit 
• Hitters for the House 
• Benevolent Batters 
• Bad News Bears 
• Kay-la's Bombers - 2013 Kids Stock the House Softball Champions
• Altruistic All Stars 
• Sunday Sudz - 2012 Kids Stock the House Softball Champions