Saturday, August 18th over 100 people gathered together for a kickball tournament at Lions Field in LaPorte to raise funds for the State Street Food Pantry. The first annual Kickin’ It to End Hunger kickball tournament brought six teams from the community together and raised over $1000. Teams donated a $120 entry fee to participate. A concession stand helped raise additional funds. Creating fun names for their teams like Hunger Strikers, Kickin’ it old School, One Kick Wonders, New Creation, New Kicks on the Block and Toe Jam brought fun to the day. A great time was had by all.
This double elimination tournament concluded the End Hunger, Love LaPorte summer fundraising campaign for the State Street Food Pantry. As one of the largest food pantries in the area, it currently feeds 1,300 people a month with some of the summer months being 1, 500 people since school is out of session. Jason Clemons, Food Pantry Director says, “Our desire is to provide ongoing food supplies to individuals and families in need who are dealing with difficult life circumstances. This event is a great method to get the community involved in such a fun and unique way.”
Team Toe Jam won the tournament and each team member received a trophy and bragging rights. The food pantry is a ministry of State Street Community Church of LaPorte and 100% of all monetary donations for the pantry go toward the purchase of food. The pantry is located at 209 State Street and is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 4 pm and Saturday 9 am to noon. To participate next year or further information send an email to jclemons@statestreet.tv.