Pirates fundraiser nets $7,000

The Braden River High baseball team raised $7,000 for its program during the Schappacher Family and Friends golf tournament fundraiser Oct. 13, at the River Club Golf Course.
Players, parents and members of the Tampa Bay Rays participated in the fundraiser, which included several fun specialty holes.

The Rays foursome of pitchers James Shields and David Price, third base coach Tom Foley and athletic trainer Ron Porterfield won the inaugural golf tournament. Following the event, the Rays players interacted with the other players, signed autographs and posed for pictures.

“These four guys really helped to make our tournament special,” Braden River coach Mike Verrill said. “My golf committee who worked with me on the tournament did a fantastic job and I would like to thank the following: Kelly Wilson, Mariane Henderson, Belinda Younce and Jeff Schappacher, as well as all of our parents and friends who help make this a great event.

Funds from the tournament will go toward the Pirates baseball program for improvements to the field and clubhouse and to the purchase of baseball related equipment.