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Erie community members came out to support the Pa. Breast Cancer Coalition’s latest fundraiser.

Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer was a homerun derby held on Thursday at the Jerry Uht Park.

Teams of four were able to join for a donation of $500 and single batters could sign up for a $125 donation. The group’s goal for the event was $100,000 statewide. As of Thursday morning, they had $85,000, said Heather Hibshman, executive director.

Batters were awarded points based on how far they hit the ball. The winning team will receive bats customized for the coalition.

A statewide single-batter winner will be announced at the end of July. The event is scheduled to be held at eight minor league stadiums throughout the month.

–Text written and video co-produced by Meagen Finnerty

Light the night for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this September.

The 13th annual Light the Night Walk is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Sep. 18 at Jerry Uht Park.

Food, music and activities will kick off the walk at 5:30 p.m.

The 2011 Light the Night Walk in Erie raised $130,000 for blood cancer research.

To volunteer or learn more about participating in this walk, contact Sherry via telephone at (814) 964-0283 or e-mail sherry.zieseneheim@lls.org. More information can be found on Volunteer Match.

Want to experience what it feels like to play outfield for a minor league baseball team? The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is in need of outfield shaggers for its Take a Swing Against Breast Cancer fundraiser at Jerry Uht Park on July 19.

Now in its fifth year, the event is a home run derby to support women and families battling breast cancer in Pennsylvania. There are eight home run derbies throughout the state.

The Erie event needs ball shaggers. A VolunteerMatch posting reads:

Volunteers enjoy being out in the sun, want the chance to experience being on a minor league baseball field, don’t mind being on their feet, but don’t need to be able to catch or throw a ball!

Outfield shaggers will collect balls once they have come to a stop, toss them to second base and signal when a ball hits the outfield wall.

Volunteers will work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the day of the event.

To volunteer as an outfield shagger, visit VolunteerMatch. To donate to a participant or team, visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s website.

Graphic courtesy of Wikimedia Commons