POPS raises $3,000 for local charities

The Third Annual POPS Charity Softball Night was held on August 26 at the Oceanside High School softball field—and it was a huge success. This year, the Charity Night was combined with POPS’ annual all-star games to ensure the highest turnout possible. POPS (which stands for “Past Our Prime Softball”) collected over $3,000, which will be donated by POPS for the December holidays to needy families in our local communities.

The CHARITY event attracted more than 75 POPS players, who participated in three softball games (two all -star games and one charity game). Family and friends of the players filled the stands in support. The games played were competitive, but at the same time relaxed, as everyone knew the good deed they were doing.

Each person playing in the charity game was asked to donate about $25 —and many people playing in one of the all -star games also donated. In addition, money was raised that night from other sources, with all proceeds being donated. A concession stand was set up which sold cold drinks, homemade cookies and cupcakes, and some light snacks. Also, two donated sports memorabilia items were raffled off: an autographed baseball and football. A 50/50 raffle was held.

POPS was founded in 1999 by Dr. Keith Pastuch with four teams, it now has two summer leagues (a 40 & over and a 50 & over) with 38 teams, has three fall leagues (40 & over, 60 & over, and Father/Son), and plays on fields in western Nassau County. Most players reside in Oceanside, Merrick and Bellmore, but many come from towns across Long Island.