Jake Hodge Wiffle Ball Tournament Raises Over $56,000 for Scholarships – WKDZ
The annual Jake Hodge Wiffle Ball Tournament once again brought the community together to raise funds for scholarships for area high school seniors.
Ken and Katie Parker have hosted the tournament on their property for over a decade, raising thousands of dollars each year for the Jake Hodge Foundation. Ken announced that this year’s event raised more than $56,000 and recognized the winners from both the American and National League games.
click to download audioHe noted that the Bomb Squad was the team that raised the most money.
click to download audioParker shared that, over the past decade, they have raised more than half a million dollars for scholarships.
click to download audioHe added that many of the past scholarship recipients have volunteered with the event, making it a unique and meaningful experience.
Parker also mentioned that the Jake Hodge Foundation has evolved and now supports counseling services for families who have lost children.
click to download audioParker recently announced that this year’s tournament would be the last held on the Little Field of Dreams and Little Yankee Stadium, which were built in 2012. After 12 years—aside from a break during Covid—the event is leaving its South Jefferson Street location, which Parker described as “bittersweet,” as the property has been sold and plans for a future location are still uncertain.
click to download audioHe said the annual event wouldn’t have been possible without the community’s support.
click to download audioThe foundation was established in memory of 12-year-old Jake Hodge, son of Denis and Shannon Hodge from Marion, who tragically passed away in his sleep several years ago, with no medical explanation found.
