No dodge: tourney was a hit

On Aug. 13, the Oak Park-River Forest Rotary and Forest Park Rotary Satellite Club rolled out their Inaugural Charity Dodgeball Tournament. The event was organized as a double elimination sports tournament held in a single, all-day event at the park district soccer fields, located at 7501 Harrison St. in Forest Park. 

In a featured public safety officer team match-up, Mayor Calderone officiated a bout between the Forest Park Fire Department and the Berwyn Police Department. These dedicated public safety players fought fiercely to the final throw with the Forest Park Fire Department ending up victorious.

All competitors designated a favorite charity to receive the winnings if they were successful in reaching one of the top competitive spots or spirit awards. The finalists in the competition were Opportunity Knocks organization against the McGaffers-Doss family. This was a hard-fought battle with some great throws and even better dodges and catches. 

Opportunity Knocks out-dodged to take the 1st Place Wrench Trophy. All these teams played for many charities: Conquer Cancer, Epilepsy, Folds of Honor Foundation, FP Food Pantry, FP Little League, FP Soccer, Habitat for Humanity, Illinois Bird Dog Rescue, Kiwanis, Michael P. Gordon Foundation, Opportunity Knocks, Rotary Polio Plus, and Sarah’s Inn.

The awards rounding out the day’s event were:

We would like to thank our sponsors: The Brown Cow, Chiro One, and Deep Eddy Vodka. 

Thanks to all for participating, as well as a big thanks to the volunteers and the Park District of Forest Park for making the 1st Annual Charity Dodgeball Tournament a success.

We look forward to seeing everyone at next summer’s charity dodgeball tournament. Also, mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for our 2nd Annual Fat Tuesday event supporting the Forest Park Food Pantry in February, 2017.

Tom Mannix

Village Commissioner