



THE 2017 JOE KOCUR FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN

CELEBRITY SOFTBALL SERIES - SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017

The Joe Kocur Foundation for Children is proud to announce that its 2017 Celebrity Softball Series will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 in Northern Oakland County. This is the ninth year of the very popular local event. Duck Lake Pines Park, located at 1241 N. Duck Lake Rd, Highland, MI will again serve as the event venue. Gates open at 11:00 AM for on-site parking and early seating.

For all first time attendees, sponsors, donors, returning guests and fans, the day will consist of three 7-inning softball games featuring Metro-Detroit sports and media celebrities, including many from The Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and current Red Wings roster. Games are currently scheduled at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The opening ceremonies will feature singing of the National Anthem, the United States Color Guard, introduction of the celebrities, sponsors and acknowledgement of the esteemed charity organizations.

All proceeds will benefit multiple local children’s charities, comprising of Wings of Mercy East Michigan, F.A.R. Therapeutic Arts and Recreation, The Huron Valley Special Olympics, Play Like Jackson Foundation, Team Kendal Kidz, and the Lakeland High School - Shannon Gaber Silverthorn Public Service Scholarship (for a student(s) going into Law Enforcement or Fire Fighting). The 2017 honoree and charities will all receive a portion of the raised money through ticket sales, auction items and sponsorships to put toward their organizations’ services and missions.

Special alumni hockey, sports and media guests have included Joe Kocur, Chris Osgood, Darren McCarty, Dino Ciccarelli, Manny Legace, Todd Bertuzzi, Matthew Schnider, Dylan Larkin, Danny Dekeyser, Darren Helm, Luke Glendenning, Jeff Blashill, Mickey Redmond, Brian Smolinski, Steve Avery, John Ogrodnick, Dave Lewis, Dave Rozema, Eric Hipple, Jason Woolley, Jiri Fischer, Kevin Miller, Pat Peake, Kris Draper, Scott Lusader, Al Iafrate, Mike Knuble, Kirk Maltby, Dave Coulier, Fox’s Amy Andrews, Actress Erin Cummings, Jeff Daniels, Verve Pipe’s Brian Vander Ark, 97.1’s Jamie and Wojo, WRIF’s Meltdown and many others. Due to the overwhelming support of the participants at previous fundraisers, many of the listed are returning again to lend their time for their friend Joe Kocur and his foundation’s mission.

During the event, attendees can enjoy food and beverage for a nominal charge. Little Caesars & Leos Coney of White Lake/Waterford have already committed to providing plenty of game day pizzas and hot dogs. The beer tent will be back near the stage and more music has been added. Exciting raffle prizes will be awarded during the day, while attendees can also join in on the silent auction filled with fabulous items to bid on, including tons of signed sports memorabilia and gift certificates to local restaurants, spas and services. Between games, you and your family can get an autograph from your favorite Red Wings or local sports celebrity. Kid’s area, named the Millwright Local 1102 Midway, will consist of numerous fun events, amusement rides and plenty of attractions. Various viewing bleachers and tents will be set up along the path near the baseball diamonds for attendees to watch and cheer their favorite charity and local public services. We recommend bringing sunscreen and lawn chairs as bleacher space fills up and we anticipate attendance to top our record of 4,000.

Tickets purchased in advance are $10.00 per person and $15.00 per person at the event. Children 14 and under are free, as are autographs. All tickets purchased will go into a drawing for raffle prizes that will be awarded throughout the day of the event. Individual tickets may be purchased directly online at www.2017JoeKocurSoftball.eventbrite.com. Tickets will also be sold through Bakers of Milford and the Comeback Inn of Highland.

In addition, corporate sponsorships with fabulous incentives are available from $500 to $10,000. Little Caesars, Leos Coney Island- White Lake, and many more sponsors and donors have generously committed to partnering again with the foundation, while Pepsi and Meijer will serve again as Title Sponsors. New patrons, donors and sponsors can inquire about pricing and additional information by emailing or calling Pamela Ayres at 248.444.0300.

About The Joe Kocur Foundation for Children

Giving back to the local community through a collaboration with children's charities throughout Southeastern Michigan – “Fighting for Kids in Need”

The Joe Kocur Foundation for Children is managed by a Board of Directors. The softball event is championed through the efforts of an all-volunteer committee and through the kind donations of local sponsors and donors. Six local Michigan charities have been chosen as the recipients of the raised funds from the annual softball tournament held in August. www.facebook.com/TheJoeKocurFoundationforChildren

About the Event

Originated in 2009 and based in North West Oakland County, the event founders wanted to sponsor an affordable gathering which would allow all families to have a good time, while providing money to local charities, and ultimately keeping the community in touch with the everyday needs of people who may not be able to reach out and secure required support.

All proceeds for 2017 will benefit local charities:

Wings of Mercy East Michigan www.wingseastmi.org

F.A.R. Therapeutic Arts and Recreation www.FAR-therapy.org

The Huron Valley Special Olympics www.thvso.com

Play Like Jackson Foundation www.playlikejackson.org

Team Kendal Kidz – www.teamkendalkidz.com

Lakeland High School Public Service Scholarship – In Honor of Shannon Gaber Silverthorn

(For a student(s) going into Law Enforcement or Fire Fighting)

CONTACTS:

Media and/or Sponsorships:

Pamela Ayres - Pam@joekocurfoundation.org

Chris Phillips - event@joekocurfoundation.org

Brad Connell - bconnell@joekocurfoundation.org





2017 Confirmed Participants:

Joe Kocur - Dylan Larkin - Darren McCarty - Kris Draper - Kirk Maltby - Jiri Fischer - Mike Knuble - Luke Glendening - Danny Dekeyser - Darren Helm - Jason Woolley - Scott Lusader (MLB) - Wayne Presley (NHL) - Manny Legace - Amy Andrews (Fox 2) - Eddie Mio - Pat Peake (NHL) - Steve Avery (MLB) - Tyler Bertuzzi - Todd Bertuzzi - Jimmy Howard - Riley Sheahan - Dave Lewis - Mickey Redmond - Dino Ciccarelli - Aaron Ward - David Legwand - Bryan Smolinski (NHL) - Dave Rozema (MLB) - Lomas Brown (NFL) - Brad Galli (WXYZ 7) - Karen Drew (WDIV 4) - Andy Dirks (MLB)