This Saturday Sept. 24, we hosted our 5th Annual OK Classic on the softball fields in Forest Park. The OK Classic is a one-day, 20-team, 14-inch softball tournament that benefits the organization Opportunity Knocks and a mission serving individuals with developmental disabilities in the Forest Park, Oak Park and River Forest communities.
We have been very fortunate to experience continued success with this event. This success allows us to keep expanding and improving our programs. Our efforts would be nothing were it not for an amazingly generous and supportive community surrounding us. It is the people that make this event and our organization what it is. We are what we are because you are who you are.
To the 125 awesomely dedicated volunteers who toiled over the task of planning, greeted dawn on the day of the event, and broke it all down at the end of the day, we greatly appreciate all that you did.
To the 362 registered softball players who enlisted more than 600 donors to raise $35,000 before the first pitch was even thrown, and for making a special effort to embrace the Warriors we serve, we offer our most sincere thanks.
To the more than 1,000 spectators, friends and families who came out to enjoy the day, we say thanks for coming out in support.
To the 41 sponsors who came together to compliment the funds raised by the players and help us reach a total of $60,000, we offer our gracious thanks. Very special thanks to the Alyssa R. Pagano Memorial Foundation for joining us as partners in this event and our mission.
Once again, we must reserve special gratitude for our good friends at the Park District of Forest Park. We cannot say enough about how wonderful and kind a group of people you all are. Your accommodating and generous nature makes our collaboration a true pleasure. To our good friend Larry Piekarz, and the entire park district crew: thanks for all the things you do for this event and our cause.
Michael Carmody and Phil Carmody
Opportunity Knocks Co-Founders and Co-Event Coordinators
