Hundreds of supporters came out on Saturday and Sunday for the annual Make-A-Wish softball tournament at Riverway.
With approximately 500 ball players participating and one former wish kid in the form of 16-year-old Paige Roper, the event raised money so that the organization can continuing granting wishes to kids aged three to 17 who are battling a life-threatening medical condition.
In 2007, Paige had a wish for a baby grand piano granted after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Five years later, she's cancer-free after undergoing an intense year of brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Her softball team, called Paige's Knights, is made up of friends and family who helped support her in her journey with cancer.
Now in its fifth year, the softball tournament has raised more than $150,000 in the past and hopes to raise $60,000 this year, once the final numbers are all added up.
Paige's Knights have already raised $1,435, including a $500 donation from sponsor MTI Community College.
Before the tournament even started, seven teams had raised a total of more than $10,000. This year's top fundraising team will win a night in a luxury suite at a Vancouver Canucks game.
"Teams love what Make-A-Wish does," Liz Caridi, one of the organizers, said in a press release. "We've had the pleasure of meeting some of the wish kids at the tournament. Once you hear what they've been through, you just want to do more, especially when you hear how important having a wish is to them."
To make a donation, visit www.makeawishbc.ca, click on donate now and then select Slo Pitch for Kids 2012.
Burnaby NOW photographer Larry Wright was on hand to capture some scenes from the popular tournament.
