Savannah River Site employees and members of the community competed in the 13th annual SRS Softball Tournament, a tradition that benefits the United Way and draws hundreds of volunteers, players and spectators.

SRS has raised over $19,500 as a result of the teams’ fundraising efforts and concession stand sales, which was a joint effort among volunteers from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, United Way of the CSRA and United Way of Aiken County.

Throwing the ceremonial opening pitch to kick off the two-night tournament was La Verne Gold, President, United Way of the CSRA and Sharon Rodgers, President, United Way of Aiken County.

“We are so appreciative of the employees at SRS who support special events like this. This tournament not only raises awareness of the important work United Way does for residents in our local communities, but it also illustrates how our slogan ‘Live United’ is about people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to make an impact for others, in many cases for people they will never meet,” said Gold.

“Every summer, I look forward to this tournament because it provides an opportunity for friends and family to spend a few evenings together cheering for their team, and it raises much-needed funds for our partner agencies which focus on education, financial stability, health and assistance in crisis. We are truly humbled by this outpouring of generosity,” Rodgers added.

Two major contractors from SRS participated in the tournament, which included 15 teams between SRNS and Savannah River Remediation. SRNS Environmental Management Operation (EM Ops) and SRR Avengers made it to the final round. SRNS EM Ops, which sponsored Area Churches Together Serving, a United Way of Aiken County partner agency, defeated the SRR Avengers team with a score of 17-2.

“The EM Ops team would not have been possible without the support of our employees who did such a wonderful job with fundraising, participating in the tournament and cheering on their team members,” said Wyatt Clark, Senior Vice President, SRNS EM Operations. “I want to extend a special thanks to Dan Billings. He’s the heart of this effort and always motivates others to get involved. Most importantly, I’m so glad to see all of the teams from SRS play because whether you win or lose, the bottom line is that
we give back to the United Way.”

Prior to the event at Citizens Park in Aiken S.C., SRS employee “owners” raised money for their team, so
they could then be eligible to “buy” players, ranging from $20 to $350, depending on skill level. Then,
each team earned money toward their designated United Way agency based on how their team finished
in the tournament.

Tournament organizer and SRNS employee Eric Schiefer was an inaugural participant of the SRS Softball Tournament and has played in the highly competitive event every year.

“I want to thank all the players and volunteers who took time on two weeknights to make this fundraiser a success,” said Schiefer, an SRNS engineer. “Looking back on the past 13 years of the tournament, I would have never envisioned it becoming an event of this magnitude when it first got started. Each year as it increases in popularity, the more money we are able to raise for such a worthy cause.”