A group of local churches are set to take to the diamond for a charity softball game and are inviting members of the community to join them for an afternoon of entertainment for a good cause.

Seven Camden County Churches – including one in Haddonfield and two in Haddon Heights – comprise the Fellowship Softball League, a coed league that blends shared Christian faith with a passion for competitive athletics.

On Sunday, June 3, the league will be holding its 2^nd Annual Fellowship Softball League All-Star Charity Fundraiser at Cooper River Park at the softball field next to the Wallenberg Pavilion.

The day’s events – which kickoff at 3 p.m. and run to 7 p.m. – feature a home run derby, all-star game, raffle prizes and a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, currently being constructed in the Cramer Hill section of Camden.

The event will also feature catered food from Ristoranti Da Marlina, located in Deptford.

Travis Lawmaster, one of the event organizers and a member of Haddon Heights’ St. Rose of Lima team, said that the event has helped bring together people of varying denominations.

“There are two fundamental things that unite the various teams in the Fellowship Softball League: our common faith in Christ, and the city of Camden and its surrounding vicinity,” said Lawmaster. “This charity event gives each church involved in our league an opportunity to stand with Christians from other congregations to address the needs of the people living in Camden, the poorest city in the United States.  I am excited for this event, our second annual opportunity to come together and raise financial support for the Salvation Army, which is providing a wonderful service to the City of Camden with the new Kroc Community Center.”

Mike Tyrell – first-year coach of Lutheran Church Our Savior, located in Haddonfield – is looking forward to what his first experience at the event.

“This is going to be a great event for a good cause,” Tyrell said. “Between the home run derby and the all-star game this event will be non-stop entertainment that will have great food and raffle items. It is good to know that this league is able to help contribute to the community and provide fun and entertainment to the people that take part as well.”

The Fellowship Softball League has been in existence for over 25 years, though it has been under different names and formats. The current league consists of nine teams from Pennsauken, Haddon Heights, Haddonfield, Berlin, Delran and Maple Shade.  Players range from 16 years old to over 60, male and female.

“This league is great because it is competitive but yet the main priority is having a good time,” said Tyrell. “It is obvious that everybody really wants to win but we do not sacrifice the enjoyment of the game to make that happen.”

The league is welcoming everyone to experience what the event has to offer.

“The more the merrier!” said Lawmaster. “The thing I have appreciated most about our league is the way it provides an opportunity for me and my friends to come together weekly and deepen our friendships, and to make friendships with other Christians who belong to other churches in the area.”

For more information about the event, to make a donation, or to inquire about joining the league in the future, contact Eric at eric.schwartz84@yahoo.com