Around four-hundred people braved the rain to play softball, volunteer, sell baked goods, run the concession stand and cheer on the players today at the Henry County Softball Classic in Northeast Park. The day started with rain but the sky cleared and the sun shone on the event most the day. Seventeen teams, over 200 players, competed for three top spots, see the winners here. Jeanna Moore said “We are grateful to all of you who came out in the rain and stuck it out with us”. The Henry County Board and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office joined forces to organize the Softball Classic for first responders, by first responders. Nick Welgat was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer that has metastasized to other arts of his body, including his bones and brain. Nick Welgat is the Chief of Police for the Kewanee Police Department and a combat veteran. Winners of the raffle items and silent auction were announced at 3 PM, watch the live stream here. Nick thanked Jeanna and Gary for organizing the event, his family for helping, the volunteers and everyone that donated raffle items. He said “it’s been a lot of fun, it’s been rewarding”.
Jeanna Moore said on her Facebook post, “To the wonderful sponsors: All of us could not be more blessed than to see area businesses and friends reach out and shield our friend with so much love. It is true money can not save any of us but it can sure help pay bills, get us to appointments and put food on our table when we don’t have a dime left. God bless all of you who helped us rise to the occasion”.
The Henry County Softball Classic is accepting donation through this week for the Welgat Family. If you want to donate, you can donate to the Henry County Softball Classic fund account at State Bank of Toulon, give a donation to Jeanna or Henry County Board member or call Jeanna at (309) 540-8588 to arrange a donation to be picked up.
