Joe Kocur Foundation Announces Date For Annual Charity Softball Event

HIGHLAND (WWJ) - The Joe Kocur Foundation for Children will host its 4th Annual Charity Softball Event on Saturday, August 4, at Duck Lake Pines Park in Highland.

The day will consist of four games featuring a celebrity game at 5 p.m. with The Detroit Red Wings Alumni and Detroit area sports and entertainment celebrities.

Games are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and will also include a little league game, a sponsor appreciation game and the law enforcement and fire fighters from Milford, Highland Township, White Lake and Oakland County.

Opening ceremony and introductions prior to the celebrity game will feature Karen Newman singing the National Anthem and accompanied by the United States Color Guard.

All proceeds will benefit local children's charities, consisting of Team Kendal Kidz, Wings of Mercy East Michigan, Far Conservatory, The Huron Valley Special Olympics and the Lakeland High School Public Service Scholarship for a student going into Law Enforcement or Fire Fighting in honor of the late Shannon Gaber Silverthorn.

Special alumni hockey and sports guests include Joe Kocur, Kris Draper, Dino Ciccarelli, Darren McCarty, Kirk Maltby, Manny Legace, Eddie Mio, Wayne Presley, Brian Smolinski, Jason Woolley, Steve Avery, John Ogrodnick, Dave Lewis, Dave Rozema and more.

Raffle prizes will be awarded during the games, 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 celebrity. Kids will have their own baseball diamond filled with fun events and plenty of attractions from bounce houses and dunk tank to home run derbies.

Various viewing bleachers and tents will be set up along the path near all four diamonds for attendees to watch and cheer their favorite charity and local public services. Event organizers recommend bringing lawn chairs as bleacher space fills up quickly with a crowd of over 2,500 expected to attend.

Gates will open at 10 a.m. for early access into venue. Additionally, free shuttle service from a nearby location on M-59 will be available for overflow traffic.

Tickets purchased in advance are $10 per person or $15 per person at the event. Children under 10 years old are free, as are autographs. Individual tickets may be purchased directly online at www.joekocurfoundation.com or www.joekocur.eventbrite.com up to August 4th.