Wiffle ball tournament draws players for Pass It Along

Wiffle ball seems to be the new catch, at least around here. On Thursday, July 30, the Sussex County Chapter of Pass It Along held its very first Wiffle Ball tournament in Station Park in Sparta. With a total of 48 teams, some traveling as far as Long Island, the turnout was outstanding. Due to the amount of rain the area has seen this summer, program directors were concerned that the event would be a washout. However, as luck would have it, the skies were blue and the sun was shining resulting in plenty of players and spectators showing their support for a good cause. The tournament, which was sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods, helped the Pass It Along organization to raise money, not only for Pass It Along, but also to raise awareness of what the organization is and what they do. Within the program the money will go to Tilly’s Kids, Cooking With a Mission, Going Green and others. “Pass It Along provides an opportunity for teens from all over the country to come together in a non-competitive environment,” said Maria Miley, Director of Marking. “Teens participate in meaningful hands-on service that directly benefits those in need within our neighboring communities.” Recipients of Pass It Along fund raisers are not the only beneficiaries of the programs. According to Ciara Vitolo, 17, being a member of the Pass It Along organization is a great experience for teens. Vitolo, who helped out at the Wiffle Ball Tournament, believes it’s not only a great way to help the community, but also a way to meet new people. “Pass It Along is a great organization that assists many people in our own community and other communities to ease families’ burdens in today’s tough economic times.” For more information about Pass It Along log onto www.volunteer@passitalong.org.