AUSL Players Compete With Purpose During All-Star Cup
Why do you play the game?
Most will say it is because they love it. Or that they have wanted to play since they were old enough to pick up a ball. Something along those lines. But if you had to really think about it, to dig for a deeper purpose, what would it be?
There is more to being a softball player than what you see on the field. The AUSL is showing that during the All-Star Cup, as players take part in the Athlete Causes Program powered by Give Lively.
Each player has selected a charity, and the program will donate equal to 100 percent of their season win bonus to that cause. On top of that, players can create their own fundraising pages to further support the organizations they have chosen.
Some of the causes include Autism Speaks (Danielle Gibson Whorton), M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment (Michaela Edenfield), Play Like a Girl (Bri Ellis), and Teach for America (Jadelyn Allchin).
All are incredible organizations, but the one that stood out to me was Jessi Warren’s choice, Miscarriage Matters.
Miscarriage is one of the toughest things for expecting parents to deal with. That is something that my wife and I had to face back in 2018. Having a child is one of the most exciting moments in life, but when miscarriages happen, you are forced to face the reality of loss and a wave of painful what ifs.
Jessi Warren shared that she experienced a miscarriage in November of last year, and she chose to play for that cause. It hits home for her, and she wants to make sure the light is shined on something that so many people carry quietly.
Miscarriage Matters offers free support to mothers and fathers who go through this type of loss. The organization was founded by Esther Stanard, who created it out of a direct need to provide one-on-one care, compassion, and support for families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant loss.
Miscarriage Matters was created in February of 2012 and continues to welcome passionate volunteers who want to help strengthen their outreach and support efforts. You can donate and get involved as well by visiting www.mymiscarriagematters.org.
Softball is the platform, but this is the purpose. These athletes are playing for more than a score. They are playing for people, stories, and causes that matter.
That is impact. And that is part of what makes this league special.
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