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Bohanon charity softball tourney raises record amount

By CHUCK BALLARO - | Nov 29, 2022

Adrian Negron smashes the ball during the home run derby at the third-annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation softball tournament Sunday at the Northwest Cape Coral Softball Complex. CHUCK BALLARO

Even before the first pitch was thrown, the third-annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation softball tournament was a tremendous success.

An anonymous benefactor donated $25,000 to the foundation to not only give kids in need a chance to get some gifts for Christmas but also to help those impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Eight teams and their loved ones gathered Sunday at the Northwest Cape Coral Softball Complex for an afternoon of competition and fun as they not only had a softball tournament but a home run derby.

The event raised around $40,000, a record for the foundation, which will provide plenty of gifts for under the trees of those in need this year.

Bohanon said he knew the need was greater due to Ian and wanted to give back even more this year.

Boxes of toys are ready to be given out at the third-annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation softball tournament Sunday at the Northwest Cape Coral Softball Complex. CHUCK BALLARO

“We’ve had a great outreach this year and hope to continue to raise more as we go throughout the year,” Bohanon said. “We know the people are here to help. We are grateful for everybody to continually give to us and give these kids the Christmas they deserve.”

People who watched brought an unwrapped toy, with a couple even bringing bicycles or donating money.

The teams put in their entry fees and had fun playing the game, including Titan Contracting, which has played each of the three years the tournament has been held.

“The Bohanons do a lot with North High because they are alumni, so it’s nice that they do a lot in the community and that it stays local. Our guys come out and give their time,” said Alexia Green, of Titan Contracting. “This event is family oriented and nice to see everybody and for the kids to see this so they know to do this later on.”

Jason Berkley, of Lee Health, said he wanted them to get involved in the tournament, for which the company gave the green light.

Tim Vanderhave snatches a ground ball at the third-annual Tommy Bohanon Foundation softball tournament Sunday at the Northwest Cape Coral Softball Complex. CHUCK BALLARO

“This is the first team Lee Health has put together. Being out here to help the community and help get toys for the foundation, being out with friends and enjoy some softball,” Berkley said. “We all brought toys, so that’s a credit to Tommy and the foundation.”

It was a group effort, as food trucks and other vendors came to help the cause. Rica and Kevin Payne brought their “Fluff and Stuff” mobile stuffed animal business, based out of Cape Coral.

“After the hurricane, a lot of families don’t have the money and are trying to rebuild. Its good to have the community come out and contribute to people who are struggling,” Rica said.

Once the foundation buys the toys, they will deliver the gifts to the Living Word Ministries in North Fort Myers, where “Mama Luc” and her volunteers will distribute them.

The Tommy Bohanon Foundation was founded in 2017 when Bohanon was still active in the NFL. It helps the youth of Southwest Florida reach their highest potential on and off the field.

Katie Bohanon, Tommy’s wife, took pride in how far they have come.

“This was supposed to be just a one-day football camp. Look at us now,” Katie said.