NORTH – The Who -- as in the "Whos from Whoville" in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas -- captured first place in Saturday's inaugural Christmas at the North Pole Co-Ed Softball Tournament Fundraiser.
They were among the five teams who competed in the double-elimination tournament held at the North ball field.
The tournament, which helped raise money for new Christmas decorations for the Town of North, continued until 8 p.m. Even before the event began, $500 had already been raised through the $100 team entry fee. Trophies were awarded to the winners following the action.
As the first-place winner, The Who earned T-shirts and a trophy. The Colston Branch team won the second-place trophy.
Among the members of The Who were pitcher Brandon Earwood, catcher Amber Earwood and Hayley Earwood, who played first base.
The tournament began at 9 a.m. with Savannah Reed, daughter of event committee chairperson Suzanne Reed, singing the “Star Spangled Banner," and Jordan Chavis, umpire, offering the prayer.
“We are doing pretty good for our first game," Suzanne Reed said. "We’ve got good sportsmanship. The game is going well.”
She said in addition to the fees to enter the tournament, the committee also sold Christmas at the North Pole Co-Ed Softball Tournament T-shirts.
“We do still have T-shirts available if anyone would like to contact me to purchase one,” she noted. Reed added after the event.
Volunteers also sold concessions at the tournament on Saturday, including grilled sausage rolls in the morning and hamburgers, hot dogs, fries and boiled peanuts throughout the day.
A total of $1,200 had been raised for the purchase of new Christmas decorations for the town.
“We are also having a 50/50 raffle with tickets being $5 for one or $20 for five. Half of the money raised will go toward a cash prize, which will be awarded to the Christmas at the North Pole Festival and Parade on Saturday, Dec. 8," Reed said.
“The Christmas at the North Pole Committee and volunteers have a love for our town, and that is why we are committed to this event," she added.
The group's next fundraiser will be Family Movie Night at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, at the North ball field. The movie, "I Can Only Imagine," will be free, but $1 raffles are being held to win VIP seating for Family Movie Night in the form of plush furniture provided by North Furniture Co.
Popcorn and drinks will also be on sale. No coolers will be allowed.
For more information about Christmas at the North Pole, visit https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasattheNorthPoleSC/
Reed said, “We are also seeking volunteers to help with the event planning and the event itself."