MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
HERNANDO COUNTY, FL
Contact:
Angie B. Walasek, CEO Angie@UnitedWayHernando.org
Justine Peppe, CID Impact@UnitedWayHernando.org
United Way’s “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament
Kickball, Food Trucks, Bounce House, and More!
Spring Hill, FL – February 7, 2024 – United Way of Hernando County’s 9th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament is bigger than ever! Save the Date: Saturday, April 6th at Anderson Snow Park - 1360 Anderson Snow Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34609. Each year, 16 Kickball Teams compete in this single elimination tournament for a chance to win the Ultimate Traveling Trophy and have the honor of being crowned “Champions of Early Literacy.” These teams are exclusively invited to participate and represent company partners of United Way in Hernando that align themselves with supporting local philanthropy.
The Kickball Tournament's purpose is to support early literacy and continue to provide Hernando preschool children free books to help them grow their own little library and prepare them for kindergarten. All proceeds from this the "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament will benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, currently providing over 1,050 Hernando children with a free book every month from birth to age of five. The books are mailed directly to enrolled children regardless of their family’s economic status.
- 12:00pm: Food Truck Rally & Touch-A-Truck event
- 1:00pm: Kid Zone Kick-Off
- 1:30pm: Kickball Teams Check-In
- 2:00pm: Mascot Fun Run
- 2:45pm: National Anthem
- 3:00pm: Kickball Games Commence
- 6:00pm: Raffle Prize Winners Announced
- 6:30pm: Championship Game on Field #3
In addition, each team is represented by a “Celebrity Coach” that leads their team all the way to victory. This year Celebrity Coaches will be challenged to bring in votes from the crowds for their support to avoid going for a dip in the Dunk Tank. This family fun day will also include music from PJ the DJ, a Bounce House and Carnival Games, Foto Fun Booth, and craft vendors.
This year’s Food Truck Rally, as of February, includes Spice Corner, Brain Freeze Italian Ice, Murph Coffee Co., and Cali Street Tacos! Our Touch-a-Truck event features Monster Trucks, FOP truck, and first responder vehicles for children to enjoy. Field Sponsors include HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital and Tampa General Hospital Spring Hill/Brooksville. Only two Field Sponsorships remain, reach out to Justine at impact@UnitedWayHernando.org to get your business involved in this highly anticipated community event. Base Run Baller Sponsors, as of February, include Micro Matic, Grow Financial, Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness, and Comfort Control Specialists. Our Presenting "Grand Slam Champion" sponsor is still available.
Fans and supporters of the event can purchase a “Double Play” Yard Sign for $52 (sponsoring 2 children onto the program) featuring their logo, baby/pet, or their family photo to be featured at the event! These Yard Signs and will be placed all over Anderson Snow as a scavenger hunt. Find your sign and take a picture and tag United Way of Hernando County and #ballin4books. Corporate sponsorships and vendor opportunities are still available.
For questions or for a full list of teams, coaches, food trucks, and entertainment visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball. For more ways to GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER for this event, contact Justine Peppe at Impact@UnitedWayHernando.org or call 352-688-2026.
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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs. UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. UWHC works hard to balance the growing demand for basic services such as food, utilities, and rent assistance, with our ongoing commitment to tackling the underlying causes of complex issues. United Way partners with businesses and organizations that share our vision for improving lives through the power of collective impact and working together. Our support for long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children, youth, adults & elders, encouraging health and wellness, including physical and emotional care, promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency, and crisis intervention. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org.