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Softball charity event raises nearly $8,000

7/12/2012 - South Side Leader
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By Staff Writer

The T.J. Mozik Charity Softball Tournament committee, along with this year’s aid recipient, Green resident Kellie Dickey, is shown following the presentation of a $6,000 check. Pictured from left are: (front row) Jeff Houck, Bobby Solkoski, Curt McVaney and Craig Hartong; (middle row) Jeff Hostetler, Debbie Rubino, Kelly Solkoski, Mindy McVaney, Kellie Dickey, Lee Anne Dickey, Steve Dickey and Kim Lee; and (top row) Tana Gleespen, Debbie Ledford and Lisa Geiger-Houck.
Photo courtesy of Ron Burkett
NEW FRANKLIN — The Fifth Annual T.J. Mozik Charity Softball Tournament, held June 9, was the largest so far, hosting 12 teams, according to organizers. The winning team was K’s Nail Bar & Spa, of Portage Lakes.

The event was started to support T.J. Mozik, who died May 1, 2009, after 26 months of cancer treatments. In 2008, the event raised $2,500 for his medical bills, and $2,271 was raised the following year to help with burial expenses.

Nearly $8,000 dollars were raised this year. Green resident Kellie Dickey was this year’s charity recipient, receiving a check for $6,000.

“It was an emotional presentation,” said T.J.’s mother, Debbie Ledford. “Kellie Dickey was a deserving candidate for our event. At 26 years young, she is fighting for her life with kidney complications. She reminded me of my T.J. and his passion and courage. I believe T.J. was watching from above, proud and happy to know he continues to inspire others to reach out and make a difference.”

Craftsman Park also received a donation of $500 in appreciation for use of the softball fields and toward its work with the community’s youth, according to organizers.

The tournament culminated with a pig roast buffet at Upper Deck, a basket raffle and a live auction. Auctioned items included a plane ride for two, a Lake Erie fishing charter excursion, a high-definition TV, Cleveland Browns tickets, golf luggage, a Waterford vase and more, according to co-chairman Kelly Solkoski.

Co-chairman Jeff Hostetler said, “I am overwhelmed each year at how this event has grown. … We begin meetings in January to prepare for the event in June. The softball tournament is very organized with brackets and professional umpires who donate their time. We encourage teams wanting to participate in 2013 to sign up early.”

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