On Tuesday, July 28, 2020 Harford Family House held its 12th Annual Home Runs for the Homeless event sponsored by Harford Mutual Insurance. This year’s event was the largest ever with 32 teams! In spite of the pandemic, this event was highly successful. Thanks to the protocols put in place by the organization, everything went smoothly and all recommended precautions were followed. Batters, volunteers, staff and attendees wore masks when required. All who entered the stadium filled out a health screening and signed waivers. Robin Tomechko, CEO of Harford Family House said, “This is an extremely hard time for Harford Family House since many of our fundraising events have not been able to happen. Tomechko added, “Being able to have Home Runs for the Homeless outdoors has been wonderful and the community has really rallied to support us.”
There were many highlights during the day as well as a few “firsts”. For the first time, a Harford Family House team was sponsored by Brian Walker, Regional Vice President of Grand Rounds and event committee member. One of the batters included Ready by 21 client, Robert G. Maryland Mutual Mortgage returned to the top of the pack with a score of 2,350 points. The event had a new Corporate Award winner, Harkins Builders, with 1010 points. This award is given to the team where all 4 players work at the same company. The Aberdeen Police Department took home the Officer’s Cup once again with 1,320 points and their star for the day, Will Reiber, won The Mark Logsdon Award with 580 points including 3 home runs! The Georgia Peach award, given to the female batter with the highest point total, was given to newcomer, Erin Muir, from the Harford Bank all female team. Erin attended CCBC Catonsville and was a JUCO All-American before transferring to Stevenson University. She took home the award with 300 points.
The Golden Arm Award was won by a landslide by Mike Hughes of the Maryland Mutual Team, with 30 points. In this competition, one fires as many balls as possible at a target to see how many points can be accumulated in 20 seconds. Although Mike has supported the cause for many years with the Maryland Mutual Team, this was the first time he earned this trophy.
Harkins Builders. Winner of the Corporate Award. Pictured from left to right: Chuck Leftridge, Chris Canapp, Patrick Hennessy, Ben Nichols, Dan Pfister, John White. Picture courtesy of Jim Lockard Photography.
Team Harford Familly House. Pictured left to right: Brian Walker, Regional VP Grand Rounds, Scott Elliott, VP Harford Bank, Robert G., Harford Family House. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sube Photography.
Maryland Mutual Mortgage. Overall Champions. Pictured left to right: Zach Nadolny, Alex Barker, Mike Hughes. Dave Miele, Stephen Miele. Photo courtesy of Jim Lockard Photography.
Aberdeen Police Department. Winners of the Officers Cup. Pictured left to right: Will Reiber, Jake Aumack, Corey Lightner, Thad Tomlinson. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sube Photography.
Will Reiber, Aberdeen Police Department. Winner of The Mark Logsdon Award. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sube Photography.
Erin Muir, Stevenson University, Winner of the Georgia Peach Award. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sube Photography.
Alex Barker, Maryland Mutual Mortgage. Winner of the Silver Slugger Award. Photo courtesy of Jim Lockard Photography
Pete Gilbert, WBAL TV 11. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sube Photography.
Allison Redman, Miss Maryland. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sube Photography
Steve Linkous, President of Harford Mutual Insurance. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Sube Photography
For the second year in a row, teams were able to raise additional funds for Harford Family House virtually. This year, teams were able to add their batting points to their fundraising points in order to compete for the Virtual Cup Award. This year’s winner was Scott Elliott of Harford Bank with a total of 9,966 points.
The final award is given to the individual with the highest overall point total in the event. For the second year in a row, the Silver Slugger Award went to Alex Barker with 840 points and 6 home runs! Alex currently plays baseball for Monmouth University.
Harford Family House thanks the sponsors, teams, volunteers, including a large group from Volunteen, and the event committee as well as the Ripken Baseball staff for another successful event. Thanks also to the President of Harford Mutual, Steve Linkous, for throwing out the first pitch, Allison Redman, Miss Maryland, for her beautiful rendition of our National Anthem and Pete Gilbert WBAL TV 11 for his news coverage of the event and for emceeing the Facebook LIVE wrap up. A very special thanks to the event’s Presenting Sponsor, Harford Mutual Insurance and the Grand Slam Sponsor, the Aberdeen Ironbirds.
| For more information about Harford Family House, their events or to get involved with Home Runs for the Homeless, call 410-273-6700 or visit www.harfordfamilyhouse.org |
| About Harford Family House (www.harfordfamilyhouse.org) |
Now in its 31th anniversary year, Harford Family House is the largest provider of housing for families with children experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied young adults in Harford County. Since its inception, the organization has provided resources and support to more than 620 families, changing the lives of more than 1,900 individuals. To donate or learn other ways to get involved, visit www.harfordfamilyhouse.org.
