Elaborately dressed drag queens will be rounding the bases Sept. 7, during the seventh annual Emily Morgan Celebration Softball Tournament at Centennial Park.
The event pits drag queens against the Jasper Softball League in a fun game that includes costumes and frying pans as bats, explained organizer Mychol Ormandy.
The fundraiser is for the foundation named after Ormandy鈥檚 niece, Emily Morgan, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and received a double lung transplant at age nine. Unfortunately, at 14, Morgan became sick and died.
鈥淗er memory lives on and we are able to help out other sick children,鈥� said Ormandy, referring to the foundation鈥檚 work. Having a sick child can put financial strain on a family, he adds.
As well as raising money to assist families with sick children, the event is also meant to 鈥渕ake people aware of how important it is to sign your donor card鈥攖here鈥檚 hundreds and thousands of people waiting for transplants,鈥� said Ormandy.
With a total of 14 members so far, 鈥渢he drag queens have a full-fledged team this year and they鈥檙e coming out stronger than last year.鈥� Adding to this year鈥檚 team are male drag kings鈥攚omen who dress up as men.
The drag queen team will have customized T-shirts with each player鈥檚 nickname on the back.
The tournament is from noon until 5 p.m., 鈥渨e鈥檒l do a game, then probably take a break and do another game,鈥� said Ormandy. The entry fee for players is a donation to the Emily Morgan Foundation.
During the tournament there will be a barbecue, beer tent and texas mickey draw. The fun continues afterwards at the Legion with a silent auction, 50/50 draw, live music and entertainment.
鈥淭here鈥檚 going to be a surprise special performance,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e have an entertainer that鈥檚 coming from Edmonton.鈥�
Last year, the softball tournament raised $3,000 and the proceeds were donated to an 18-month old baby in Manitoba, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Morgan鈥檚 mom, Ormandy鈥檚 sister, will decide which family the tournament proceeds will benefit this year. 鈥淭here are candidates being reviewed, but I won鈥檛 know who until closer to the tournament,鈥� he said.
Ormandy鈥檚 sister and brother-in-law have organized a memorial golf tournament for the last seven years and Ormandy conceived his own fundraiser of a fun and entertaining softball tournament. Since moving to Jasper, he has carried on the tradition.
The event isn鈥檛 just meant for ball players, spectators are welcome to enjoy the barbecue and watch the hilarious twist that the drag queens add to the sport. All are also welcome at the Legion later, where there will be a 鈥渇un, fun party for the whole night,鈥� said Ormandy.
Volunteers are needed for the tournament, those interested can contact Ormandy at 780-820-0383, Terry at 780-883-0723, or Vanessa at 780-852-3361.
To learn more about the Emily Morgan Foundation, visit www.emilymorganfoundation.com.
Sarah Makowsky
[email protected]
