14th Annual Playball for Miracles Raises Funds for Children’s Specialized Hospital
The 14th Annual Playball for Miracles and 2nd Annual Lou Kelly Memorial Matchup for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ local beneficiary, Children’s Specialized Hospital was held on Saturday, June 16 at Warinanco Park in Elizabeth, NJ.
Created in 2005, Playball for Miracles was founded by Erin Kelly-McGuinness to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals when her family friend, Patrick Macnab, was diagnosed with a rare bleeding disorder. Erin started the tournament to raise awareness and funds for Patrick’s disease and all other illnesses inflicting children.
This was also the second year of the Lou Kelly Memorial Matchup, started last year to honor Lou Kelly, Retired Chief of Department for the Elizabeth Fire Department and Mutual Aid Coordinator for Union County. Chief Kelly died in the line of duty in December 2016.
In the past 13 years, this tournament has raised over $135,000 for Children’s Specialized Hospital! The day is sponsored by Elizabeth NJ Fireman’s Federal Credit Union, ASA, Wakefern, Costco North Plainfield and Applebees Jersey Gardens.
“It was a gorgeous day,” commented Kelly-McGuinness, Chief Coordinator of the tournament. “We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The prize raffle was full of great prizes and the softball teams had a ton of fun. Miracle making at its finest. Can’t wait to see what year 15 brings!”
The winner of the Chief Kelly Memorial Match-up was the Young Guns with Union County Jail in second place. For the co-ed league, Dilligaf took top honors, with Bayway Bombers from Infinium taking second place.
“We are so grateful of the support of this community, led by Erin McGuinness-Kelly,” said Nicole Hudson, Director of Fundraising and Operations at Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation. “We know how much time and energy it takes to put on such a wonderful event, and we are so appreciative of Erin, all of the softball players, sponsors and volunteers for their support of Children’s Specialized Hospital!”
