Saturday was the first day of spring, but that is not the only big news for March 20. On that day 12 kickball teams were battling it out on the pitch at Duncan Park to raise money for the Guardian Shelter. Men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds came out to revisit a school time recess game that most had not played in a long time.

There are few things that will bring people together like competition, and in this case about 120 participants plus supporters and spectators came for the entertainment of watching grown men and women kicking a rubber ball and running the bases. It was truly a combination of athletics and comedy. However, in the end we were able to raise over $2,000 for the Guardian Shelter.

It was a long day full of hard fought games but in the end it was Landscape Resource’s team that squeaked by the Ball Busters for a 3-2 victory, etching them forever in history as the first ever Natchez kickball champions!

For those that are not familiar with the Guardian Shelter, it is a part of Catholic Charities and it serves as a safe haven for women and children who have fallen victim to domestic violence. It serves 11 counties and parishes in the Miss-Lou. The work that they do is invaluable. For many women and children it is the only place that have to turn.

This event could not have happened without the participation and sponsors of so many. Thanks to our team sponsors: Natchez Regional Medical Center, Natchez Elk’s Lodge, Landscape Resources, B&K Bank, Intensive Home Healthcare, the Fury Family, Krewe of Phoenix, National Furniture, the Unknown (independent team), Trinity Kids (independent team), the Terminators (independent team) and Natchez Gamblers (independent team).

Event sponsors included, Concordia Bank & Trust, Glenburney Nursing Home, Corrections Corporation of America, Dunleith Plantation, Hicks-Chicks, Southwest Distributors, Big M Supply, KFC of Natchez, Brown Bottling Group, Natchez Kiwanis Club, Stephens & Hobdy Insurance.

Without the participation of these individuals and local businesses this event would never have happened. Leadership Natchez and the Guardian Shelter would like to sincerely thank them for the participation and contributions.

There were two goals for this event, raise money for the Guardian Shelter and have fun. Based on the number of people packing the stands laughing and having a good time watching the final teams go head to head over an elementary school game, it is safe to say that both those goals were achieved. At the end of the day, this event was a huge success!

Thank you again to all that participated!

Tate Hobdy is a member of the Leadership Natchez Class of 2010.