Web Editor’s Note: To see more photos of the fundraiser, click here!
Alpha Tau Omega (ATO), a fraternity at WTAMU, hosted a double elimination co-ed softball tournament April 13-14 at the Buffalo Sports Park to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo.
“We have worked with the Ronald McDonald House for many years,” Miguel Sosa, ATO president, said. “They have an amazing staff and, for those of us who have had the privilege of meeting the families and children who have been helped by the Ronald McDonald House, they are very appreciative and thankful for what we do.”
He said ATO wants to do everything possible to help these families and children.
“Whether it is donating time or raising funds, getting to see the smile on their face is truly a heartwarming experience, and is one of the greatest feelings in the world,” Sosa said.Each team had a maximum of 15 players, and there was a required minimum of five girls per team. A total of 14 teams registered for the event, and each group had to pay $150 to participate.
“What wonderful young men to be so concerned with helping other people in the community,” Jan Reid, Ronald McDonald House executive director, said. “We’re crazy about ATO.”
Reid said ATO has helped them with a lot of projects throughout the years and that their help is very much appreciated. She is impressed by the work they put into the tournament and called the event monumental.
A family member from the Ronald McDonald House, Tony Barbour’s son, started the tournament on Friday by throwing the first pitch.
Victory and 2 Legit faced off in the championship game, and 2 Legit came out on top with a final score of 13 to 6.
“We thought the event was very good for us to do because it was benefiting the Ronald McDonald House,” Lacey Trinidad, 2 Legit team member, said.
2 Legit is a team from Amarillo that heard about the event and decided to get involved.
Ernesto Barrientez and Preslie Wiode were chosen as the MVP’s of the tournament.
Sosa estimated that the fraternity raised between $3,000 to $4,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. ATO plans to turn the softball tournament into an annual event.
