Memorial tournament helps raise money for Thomson community
THOMSON, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - In Thomson, people gathered on Friday, ing a teenager who died in a car crash back in 2016.
The Drake Widener Benefit Fundraiser Softball Tournament helps raise money for the community.
We spoke with Drake’s dad and had a look at how the annual event helps the family honor their son.
There were 14 teams out on the field competing for a good cause and a great time.
Proceeds were raised to go towards scholarships, helping in family tragedies and overall community needs.
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Family and friends say that for Thomson, all this is more than just a game.
The sound of bats hitting the ball and the dirt flying off the diamond.
It’s one way Drake’s dad, Skipper Widener, re what he lost.
“It’s always this time of year that we have it right at his birthday, July 9,” said Skipper.
In 2016, Drake, 19, was killed in a car accident.
And it left a heavy toll on the community.
Hunter Bragg, Drake’s friend, said: “He made an impact on so many people’s lives. Ones that he didn’t even realize, you know, while he was here with us. But he was just so loved and loved by everyone. And it really just made a huge impact on the community.”
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And in the recovery, like this game, they take it one base at a time.
“It’s really brotherhood and friendship. A lot of these guys are on our team. We were really good friends with Drake. And yeah, we just all come together for him. Pretty much and you know, whether we win or lose, we have a great time and just try to honor him through this night,” said Bragg.
Skipper says it’s also about giving back, which he believes Drake would have wanted.
“We’re just trying to do something in the community, not only does it help us, but it helps the community and everybody kind of pulls together, you can just feel the love with everybody,” said Skipper.
Nine years later, Skipper says he’s far from finished bringing meaning from it all.
“It’s kind of picks us up and then you can just feel the love from everybody, you know, and then just a memory and honor him,” said Skipper.
Skipper says he’s hoping to raise enough money to continue providing scholarships to Thomson High School senior baseball players and what the community needs.
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