Mid-Missouri first responders will go head-to-head on the diamond this Saturday for a good cause.
The Guns & Hoses & Back Boards second annual softball tournament will bring together teams of police officers, firefighters and ambulance personnel to benefit the United Way of Callaway County.
New Bloomfield Police Chief Chris Hammann spearheaded last year's event, which raised more than $1,000. The United Way of Callaway County, Hammann said, was chosen to receive donations because all the money goes to 13 local agencies.
Kathy Richey Liddle, United Way of Callaway County director, said the organization is constantly looking for new ways not only to fundraise, but also to raise awareness, and Hammann has accomplished both by joining a specific group of people.
"We're very grateful for Chris (Hammann) to work on this project and make this the second annual event," she said. "We look forward to working with him in future years."
Liddle added that all the proceeds will go to the United Way's fall campaign, which kicks off Sept. 26. The goal is $280,000 and that money will be given to the agencies in 2015. Those agencies provide more than 200 programs and services for people in Callaway County.
Hammann hopes to raise more this year in anticipation of sunny skies instead of last year's rainy weather. The National Weather Service predicts a high temperature of 76 degrees on Saturday with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms.
While working in Cole County, Hammann participated in a similar event and thought he would have success in Callaway County. Eight teams are registered to play - Millersburg Fire, Holts Summit Fire, New Bloomfield Police and Fire, Lake of the Ozarks Police, Central Callaway Fire, Callaway County EMS and Jefferson City Correctional Center.
The softball tournament, Hammann said, is an opportunity for these men and women to interact under positive conditions.
The Guns & Hoses & Back Boards softball tournament will be at the 63 Diamonds Sports Complex located at 12575 Renz Farm Road in Jefferson City. Games start at 10 a.m. and the event ends at 5 p.m. Teams in first, second and third place will receive trophies. Admission for adults is $3, children $2 and children 5 years or younger are free.