It’s the great American pastime. And it’s also a great way to raise money for charity.
The event organizers and participants, along with their friends and family
On June 21, IBEW 1245’s Central Valley Organizing Committee hosted a charity softball game and BBQ in Modesto. More than 60 IBEW 1245 members, family and friends came out for a day of fun in the sun for a good cause.
All the proceeds from the day’s activities will go to the Ceres Recreation Division, which helps lower-income school age children buy supplies for the upcoming school year. The committee exceeded their own fundraising goal of $1,000, raising $1298.57 for the local charity.
“What a great way to kick off the first day of summer with the IBEW 1245 Central Valley Organizing Committee,” said line clearance tree trimmer Rosario Garcia, one of the organizing stewards who helped coordinate the event. “Tree trimmers, linemen, gas services reps, dispatch and clerical [members] came together for a good cause to support raising funds to help out a community in need, all in the name of IBEW 1245. Weather was beautiful. Food was prepared to perfection, so we broke bread with members and friends of our great union, to give us the energy to play an intense softball game.”
Dominic Olguin, PG&E GC Merced pre-apprentice lineman, slides into 3rd while Joel Dammner,PG&E Modesto Gas Service Rep, defends the base
The game itself was action-packed and filled with excitement, right down to the very last inning. The final score was 38 to 37, with Team #1 squeaking out a narrow one-point victory over Team #2.
“The food was great and the softball game was a lot of fun to watch. We had two full teams play softball. The guys are pretty serious about softball and play really well,” said IBEW 1245 Organizer Jammi Juarez. “There were a lot of exciting home runs!”
The event was a resounding success — particularly the home-made food. Rosario Garcia and PG&E Gas Service Rep Carl Olguin manned the grill and served up delicous carne asada and chicken tacos, while Organizing Steward Rachel Ramirez-Hill of PG&E prepared the tasty toppings.
“Several folks asked me if we can make this an annual event … and they’re glad it was here in Modesto,” said Olguin, who also helped organize the event. “They felt playing along with tree trimmers and the other work groups helped them know what [the union] is all about!”
