HCWA Wins Hands of Hope Charity Kickball Tournament
While a competitive spirit is a good quality for volunteers trying to raise money for a good cause, it also comes in handy when competing for a championship.
Employees from the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) won the Hands of Hope Kickin’ It Charity Kickball Tournament Championship recently, helping to raise $25,000 for the Clinic in the process. The HCWA went undefeated in the single elimination tournament that pitted county and municipal governments and agencies battling for local bragging rights and the championship trophy. The 2022 Hands of Hope Kickball Tournament field included teams from:
The Henry County Water Authority (HCWA)
Henry County Board of Education
Henry County Government
Henry County Public Safety
Henry County Judicial Team
Henry County Sheriff’s Office
City of Locust Grove
Piedmont Henry Hospital
Piedmont Henry Security Team
Stockbridge City Council
Stockbridge Police
The Women’s Center
The HCWA won its opening game against Henry County Public Safety and then defeated the kickballers from the Stockbridge City Council in Round 2. The Championship Game victory came against the heavily favored Henry County Sheriff’s Office, who fell to the HCWA by a nail-biting 1-0 score in the final.
The HCWA team, assembled by Sewer Line Maintenance Manager Tara Brown, consisted of team captain Brock Biles, and teammates Rylan Dodson, Tyler Sellers, Taylor Harvey, Dustin Powell, Laquez Freemon, Ronny Powell, David Farmer, Michael Dodson, Spencer Lauderdale, and HCWA General Manager Tony Carnell.
“It was great to see our group come together for a little healthy competition to raise money for the Hands of Hope Clinic,” says Brown. “We will enjoy those bragging rights for the rest of the year!”
Biles, who was instrumental in pitching all three games for the Authority, didn’t lose sight of the real reason for the fellowship and camaraderie among all participants.
“Today was a great day to come out and represent the HCWA at the Kickin’ It Charity Kickball Tournament benefitting the Hands of Hope Clinic,” says Biles, following his team’s run to the Championship. “It was awesome to see all of the other county offices and teams here representing their respective organizations in support of such a great cause.”
The Hands of Hope Clinic, founded by Janet Turner, provides uninsured and underserved citizens with exceptional medical, dental, and mental health care, while sharing the love of Christ to improve individual well-being and community health for Henry County residents.
“I’m so grateful for all of the support we received from the movers and shakers of the county, because it shows how much people care about the Hands of Hope Clinic,” says Amanda Reeves, Hands of Hope Clinic Executive Director. “Not everyone can afford to go to the doctor, so we have some in our community who don’t have any other means to obtain health care services other than through our Clinic.”
Stockbridge City Councilwoman Yolanda Barber says her idea for a fun, unique Kickball Tournament fundraiser was to raise money and awareness of a critical asset in the community.
“Congratulations to the Henry County Water Authority on the Championship win during the 2022 Inaugural Kickball Charity Event,” says Councilwoman Barber, who notes that the event was held in partnership with her office, the City of Stockbridge, and Henry County Government, to benefit the Hands of Hope Clinic.
“Although our fundraising efforts have concluded from this event, it is my hope that (everyone) will continue to spread the word about the amazing work of Hands of Hope Clinic, it's administrative team, as well as the phenomenal medical professionals who make tremendous sacrifices by volunteering their time, expertise, and efforts to meet the needs of those who are uninsured and/or underserved, with medical, dental, and mental health counseling services, during these challenging times,” adds Councilwoman Barber. “I certainly look forward to (the Water Authority’s) participation next year, as we coordinate efforts to spread public awareness and raise funds to benefit another amazing non-profit who does amazing work on behalf of our community. Let's do this...together!"
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Captions for photos (top to bottom):
1. The HCWA took home the Championship of the 2022 Kickin’ It for Hands of Hope Kickball Tournament. Team members included (left to right): Rylan Dodson, Tyler Sellers, Taylor Harvey, Dustin Powell, Laquez Freemon, Ronny Powell, Brock Biles, David Farmer (kneeling), Tony Carnell, Michael Dodson (kneeling), Spencer Lauderdale, and Tara Brown.
2. The HCWA celebrates victory over the Henry County Public Safety team during the Hands of Hope Charity Kickball Tournament.
3. Brock Biles pitches the HCWA to the Championship of the Hands of Hope Kickball Tournament.
4. Laquez Freemon makes a defensive play during the Hands of Hope Kickball Tournament.
5. Taylor Harvey kicks her way on base during the Hands of Hope Kickball Tournament, which raised money to support the local Health Clinic.
Media contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu