BRATTLEBORO — On Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, community volunteers will host the 19th annual Glove, Sweat and Cheers: Safe at Home women's softball tournament at Living Memorial Park.
Last year's tournament generated more than $4,000 for the Women's Freedom Center (formerly the Women's Crisis Center). Organizers say they hope to surpass that amount this year.
“Over 100 women will take to the fields to help raise funds for the important work of the Women's Freedom Center,” said event volunteer Cyndi Cain Fitzgerald. “We'll provide the gloves and sweat, but we need our community to turn out and provide the cheers.”
Teams from around New England will compete for top honors in two divisions. Games will be played on both the upper and lower fields in Living Memorial Park beginning Saturday morning and continuing through Sunday afternoon. Updated schedules will be posted at each field.
This is a family-friendly event. There are no entrance fees for spectators; the swimming pool will be open for those who need to cool down; and the park has several playgrounds for kids of all ages.
Funds are raised through community sponsorship, team and player fees, raffle sales, snack and T-shirt sales, as well as a dance party on Saturday night. Volunteers are welcome to help with scorekeeping and concession sales. For volunteer opportunities, visit glovesweatcheers@gmail.com.
This year's “Funk for Freedom” Dance Party will be held on Saturday, July 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Stone Church on Main Street in downtown Brattleboro. A mini-arcade of sporting games will be available for attendees to test their skills. Light snacks will be served, and a no-host bar will be available. DJ Disco Nic will be spinning all vinyl, all night long.
A $5 minimum donation is requested at the door, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Founded in the early 1970s, The Women's Freedom Center works to end domestic and sexual violence against women and children by providing support to survivors and education for the community. Services include a 24-hour hotline, shelter for women and children, legal and medical advocacy, community outreach and education. All services are free. Volunteer based fundraising is critical to their continued efforts.
Beyond the tournament and dance party, direct donations are accepted at the Women's Freedom Center, P.O. Box 933, Brattleboro, VT, or by calling 802-257-7364.