Brooklyn Ballgame Raises Thousands for Breast Cancer

The Annual Timmy “Tub” Girardot Pagans /Women’s Softball Game is a neighborhood tradition in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn for good reason. The game, now in its fourth year, has raised a total of $15,000 for the American Cancer Society. Each year the proceeds are brought to the Prospect Park Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk by a group of Gerritsen Beach residents registered as Team Hope. Last year’s game raised $8,000, making Team Hope the only non-commercial group on the American Cancer Society’s list of top ten Brooklyn fundraisers. The success is an example of how one small Brooklyn Community can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

On Saturday, September 27, 2008 the Gerritsen Beach community will gather at Larry Veiling Field on Gerritsen Avenue to enjoy the game and festivities. The event is free of charge and funds are raised by selling raffles, chances, food and beverages. You can expect to find hotdogs, hamburgers, barbecued chicken and hot or sweet Italian sausages for a suggested donation of $1-2. Local vendors like the Knights of Columbus and the Cort Club donate food and supplies, and everyone takes turns flipping burgers behind the grill.

When breast cancer survivor Jinny LeDonne Hanson mentioned the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk to her softball coach, Ernie Blundell, the idea for a fundraiser was born. The Annual Timmy “Tub” Girardot Pagans/Women’s Softball Game, named in remembrance of a beloved friend, would feature the local men’s team, The Pagans, playing against the Women’s Softball league. Last year’s game drew a huge crowd including representatives from the American Cancer Society and local assemblyman Alan Meisel. This year’s game will be more successful and – if possible – more fun.

Team Hope leader Jinny Hanson was recognized by the American Cancer Society for the fundraising efforts of the Gerritsen Beach community and was awarded a proclamation from the New York City Council in a ceremony at City Hall in 2006.

For more information about Team Hope and the Annual Timmy “Tub” Girardot Pagans/ Women’s Softball Game please contact Ginger Hanson at 917-363-3058 or e-mail hanson.ginger@gmail.com