Allentown Patriots Old Timers Blue
Softball Team Go to Bat with The Morning Call All-Star Softball Team to Benefit
the American Red Cross
News Release: July 15, 2010
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


The Allentown Patriots Old Timers Blue Softball Team will go to bat against The Morning Call All-Star Softball Team in a game of slow-pitch softball to benefit the American Red Cross on Sunday, Aug. 8. The action takes place at Patriots Park at 1026 St. John Street, Allentown.

Game time is 4 p.m. Gates open at 3 p.m. with free fun activities for the kids, silent and live auction items, raffle prizes and more. Food is available for purchase at the park.

"We are absolutely delighted that the Patriots Old Timers Blue Softball Team chose the Red Cross as one of their benefit charities this year," said Sandy Gaspar, director of development for the American Red Cross. "What better way to spend a summer afternoon. These players are really great athletes and it's wonderful to see how their family members support the team through bake sales and concession operations."

"The Allentown Patriots are looking forward to participating in this charity event," remarked Joe Hoffman, president of the Allentown Patriots. "Our old timers have set the standard for quality play by individuals 60 and over. They look forward to demonstrating their skills and talents. They truly will amaze you with their ability and high energy."

The teams will play two, seven-inning games. Admission is free. Rain date is Saturday, August 14 at 4 p.m.

The Allentown Patriots Athletic Association was founded in 1948 after a ten-year history as the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America. The organization built Patriots Park in 1953 and the accompanying community building in 1958. For many decades now the Patriots have provided the best in high school, college and summer softball activity including visits by the United States Olympic Team, national and world tournaments, and many special fundraisers for a variety of causes. This is the first time a day is being devoted to the American Red Cross. "We hope this is the start of an annual event," concluded Hoffman.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 70,000 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.