TIDNISH – Thanks to the generosity of participants and volunteers, the 25th anniversary of the Rodney Estabrooks Memorial Tournament proved to be the most successful muscular dystrophy fundraiser since the tournaments inception.
“The tourney normally raises $4,000 to $5,000 annually for muscular dystrophy, but the 25th year saw the funds more than double,” event organizer Tanya Tuttle said.
The final take was over $11,000.
The tournament is held in memory of Rodney Estabrooks, who died at the age of 20 from muscular dystrophy, and in the memory of his brother Vincent, who died of muscular dystrophy many years earlier.
The $11,000 was raised over the last two months, culminating in the co-ed ball tournament recently held at the Tidnish ball field.
“Besides money raised from the ball tourney, the list of events included a bake and craft sale, a dance, a breakfast, a quilt raffle, many lucky draws during the ball tournament, 50/50 draws, washer toss games, kids’ games, canteen sales, the fireman’s boot collection, and private donations,” Tuttle said.
There were three divisions in the ball tournament.
Playing in the Rodney Division was The Mixed Nuts, Tons of Fun, Craig’s, and the Floppin’ Drunks.
Playing in the MD Division was The Tidnish Bridge Fire Department, the Chignecto Fire Department and the Westchester Fire Department.
Playing in the Go For It Division was Tidnish, Darrell Greeno Welding, The Offspring, Katrina Arseneault, Extra Strength Advil, and Road Rashes.
“The winners of the “Go For It” Division were the Extra Strength Advil team from the Truro area,” Tuttle said. “The Westchester Fire Department cleaned up in the MD Division.”
Both of these divisions were decided by standings from regular play.
The Rodney Division was determined by a championship game between the top two teams - Mixed Nuts versus Tons of Fun.
“It was a close game throughout and wasn’t decided until the a home run in the bottom of the seventh when Tons of Fun came out victorious,” Tuttle said.
All winning teams returned their prize money to be donated to muscular dystrophy.
A special trophy prize was awarded to Darrell Greeno Welding for best team jersey.
Judy Tuttle donated another special prize for the youngest team ever, with the recipients being the Offspring.
Tuttle gives special thanks to Tidnish General Store, Craig’s Rite Stop Grocery, and Scotsburn’s Dairy for their ongoing support for this special event.
“Many thanks to those who donated their time, their money, and their caring to make this a great year in Rodney’s memory,” Tuttle said.
