Legislators to raise charity money with ‘Home Runs for Kids Sake’ softball game

After ten games on the basketball court, members of the Arkansas House of Representatives will face off against members of the Arkansas State Senate for the 11th time by hitting the diamond in the newly transformed Home Runs for Kids’ Sake, an annual charity sports event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CAC).

Launched in 2013, Hoops for Kids’ Sake is a long-running bipartisan tradition that will debut a new format this year – Home Runs for Kids’ Sake, a seven-inning softball game at CHI St. Vincent Field at Dickey-Stephens Park, home of the Arkansas Travelers, on Tuesday, April 28.

The game will feature between-inning activities, music, food and a chance for families to come together for a night of fun. Gates open to the public at 6 p.m., with the opening ceremony and first pitch set for 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 at the gate.

“Home Runs for Kids’ Sake is a reinvigoration of the charity event we have all come to love,” said Speaker of the House Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot. “While we may be rivals on the court and field, the Arkansas legislators are always working to create a better state for the next generation, whether it’s in the Capitol or through charitable activities.”

This charity fundraising event began in 2013 as a collaborative, bipartisan effort to bring both sides of the aisle together for the children of Arkansas. More than a decade later, it has become a highly anticipated annual event that has raised more than $250,000.

“We are ready to defend our winning streak,” said Arkansas Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs. “We understand the need to level the playing field as the games have been a bit one-sided the past few years. This is a tradition that is close to the hearts of all state legislators, and we are excited to continue the competition and support the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas.”

Tentatively, the legislative charity game will alternate between softball and basketball, with the basketball game – Hoops for Kids’ Sake – returning for next year’s regular legislative session and the softball game resuming during the following fiscal session. Staffers from both the Governor’s Office and the Attorney General’s Office will also likely participate.

“I am so excited to once again be a part of this and see the legislators duke it out on the diamond,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “I will continue to support the children of Arkansas any way I can, and the Governor’s Office is proud to put kids first in our great state.”

“We are ready to be a part of the action and support such a great tradition,” said Attorney General Tim Griffin. “As this event grows, we are proud to know that more resources can go to helping the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. My office is here to help protect children, and this is another way we can further that mission.”

This year, two sponsorship options are available.

The VIP Sponsorship ($1,500) includes two VIP passes for the post-game reception and reserved seating at the game, 10 general admission passes and a logo on on-site signage.

New this year, four VIP Scoreboard Sponsorships ($2,500) are available, and include the same benefits as the VIP Sponsorship, plus two additional post-game reception passes (four total) and an organization’s branding on the scoreboard throughout the game.

To learn more and to become a sponsor, contact BBBSCA executive director Harvell Howard at [email protected] or visit this link.