Key Facts
- Event
- Inaugural Suicide Awareness Draft Softball Tournament
- Date
- Starts Sept. 5
- Location
- Riverside Ball Park, Zanesville, Ohio
- Beneficiary
- Muskingum County Suicide Coalition
- Registration deadline
- Aug. 15
- Registration fee
- $25 per person
Background
September is recognized as Suicide Awareness Month, and this year marks the inaugural Suicide Awareness Draft Softball Tournament in Zanesville, Ohio. The event is scheduled to begin on Sept. 5 at Riverside Ball Park.
The fundraiser will benefit the Muskingum County Suicide Coalition. Organizers Kimberly and Amanda Harris created the event in honor of their stepdaughter, Adriana Gibson, who died by suicide in 2024. The tournament is set to take place on what would have been her birthday.
Current Situation
Participants can sign up to play by Aug. 15 for $25 per person, with a 3-game guarantee. The tournament is open to ages 14 and up with parents' consent, and all skill levels are welcome.
In addition to the games, the event will feature raffles for gift cards to local businesses and a 50/50 raffle. Registration can be completed by calling (740) 221-4089, and more information is available on the Muskingum County Suicide Coalition's Facebook page.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Suicide Awareness Draft Softball Tournament |
| Start date | Sept. 5 |
| Location | Riverside Ball Park, Zanesville, Ohio |
| Beneficiary | Muskingum County Suicide Coalition |
| Registration deadline | Aug. 15 |
| Registration fee | $25 per person |
| Game guarantee | 3 games |
| Age requirement | 14 and up with parents' consent |
| Skill level | All levels |
| Raffles | Gift cards and 50/50 raffle |
| Contact | (740) 221-4089 |
| Crisis Lifeline | 988 |
Impacts
The tournament aims to raise funds for the Muskingum County Suicide Coalition, which supports suicide prevention efforts in the local community. Proceeds from registration and raffles will directly benefit the coalition's programs.
Organizers hope the event will raise awareness about suicide prevention and the availability of help. Amanda Harris emphasized that the tournament is for all levels, saying, "It doesn't have to be 'oh I'm not good at softball.' It's all levels. Honestly, what I'm looking is to try and get the word out there that there is help."
Kimberly Harris reflected on the personal impact of suicide, stating, "You hear about it every day, but it does not hit you until it hits you close to home. You hear about it, you feel bad, and you wish there was something you could do but then it hits you close to home and it's a whole different aspect of realizing that people need help."
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the tournament achieves its fundraising and awareness goals, it could become an annual event, providing ongoing support for the Muskingum County Suicide Coalition. Organizers may consider expanding participation or adding activities in future years.
Depending on community response, the event could attract more players and sponsors, potentially increasing its impact. However, if registration numbers are low, the organizers might need to adjust their approach or timing for future editions.
The availability of the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 remains a critical resource for those in need, and events like this may encourage more people to seek help.
Source: whiznews.com
