Tournament Summary
2017 was the Thirteenth Annual Softball Tournament, we are continuing to honor Justin and our charitable efforts with support from the players, volunteers, fans and sponsors. We hope to have a deeper impact in the Lehigh Valley community, its charities and programs as a result of the tournament’s success.
We had a scare this year at the beginning of the day we had rain, some fields were not playable. Good news is we had back up fields, we were able to salvage the day changing to a start of 1-1 for strikes and balls. Found we liked the rule and will keep it for 2018, faster games and more fun. Some pictures of the day:
Dave Akers and Steve Carlton were part of the day, participating in the free clinic for the middle school and high school athletes. Both were our guests at a Friday night VIP reception for the Sponsors.
The games were all completed, we had some repeat winners, lot of good food, and a wonderful crowd, with a lot of help from our sponsors and volunteers. It was a good day, and we raised $46,000 — a record for us. All will be donated to local charities and to fund two scholarship awards. We could not do this without the overwhelming support and energy from the community, thank you!
Always one of the favorite moments of the tournament for everyone involved, the group picture was on the hill. This year we had David Akers speak to the group, he is a wonderful speaker, high energy, positive and motivating. Both David and Steve Carlton joined us for the group picture.
The Mocktail Event once again a signature event of the tournament. Red Robin continues to support our efforts, with their sponsorship and having the Mixologist from their restaurants.
We had some great food. Kona Ice was on hand, with their refreshing treats. Vince’s Cheesesteaks served up their special version of Cheesesteaks, Lehigh Valley style! Hildy’s, was our newcomer, they provided speciality hot dogs and some healthy wraps and salads.
From 11:00 to 2:00, we had a number of activities, a speed pitch contest, see how fast you can throw the ball. Tie Dying, a photo booth; Whole Foods had two games Genga and Corn Toss, we also had a dunk tank, featuring special guests as part of the dunking experience.
We were very excited to announce St. Luke’s University Health Network is our Presenting Sponsor for 2017 and with them we had planned many exciting and free activities. St Luke’s sponsored the free Sports Clinic for all athletes.
A word about St. Luke’s…..St. Luke’s Sports Medicine, a service of St. Luke’s University Health Network, is the largest provider of Sports Medicine services in the Greater Lehigh Valley region. St. Luke’s provides athletic trainer and team doctor services as well as orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy, primary care sports medicine, concussion testing and care, sports performance training, fitness centers and nutrition counseling. St. Luke’s is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s Thirteenth Annual Justin Sheftel Softball Tournament.
Vinart sponsored Hawk Radio and ESPN news broadcasting live from the Tournament. Look for them at the St. Luke’s HealthStar mobile health van. Very excited they were part of the day.
Vinart had a new model for 2018 car for people to come and take a look, take a seat, touch and feel. Guess the number of balls was included and the winner won an autographed David Akers jersey, and lots of other goodies.
Hawk and ESPN radio were on hand, and contributed to our success. Promoting the tournament with ads, interviews and on site talk show, could not have asked for more. 
It was a wonderful day, and we look forward now to 2018. 