CNBNews

Immediately, his family, along with the Bellmawr Fire Department, developed plans for the tournament, which raises money for annual sports scholarships.

Nick’s father, Mike Parisi Sr., said they normally draw 20 teams or better each year, and the softball entry fees alone would net nearly $5000.

He said the average total donations are $6,000 to $8,000 each year.

Besides games played at the Rec Centre and Anderson Avenue ball fields, remote games were played in Gloucester Township.

Softball was not the only thing on the day’s menu.

A DJ, moon bounce and dunk tank were available, along with food and T-shirt concessions, bake sale and 50/50 drawing.

At the end of the day, the elder Parisi, along with his wife, Anita, thanked the dozens of volunteers who worked the stands and umpired the games, giving up their free time.

The championship game finished before 7 p.m., with Jersey’s Bar and Schilleen’s Pub doing battle.

Schilleen’s emerged the victor by a final score of 11-6, and, upon presentation of the prize money, promptly donated their spoils back to the family.

Before they closed this year’s event, a host of players, family and friends joined the Parisi family for a candlelight vigil, and with “American Soldier” by Toby Keith playing softly in the background, honored the memory of their fallen son. The final total for the day came in about $8,059.