The Challenger Baseball Sunset Soiree at Heritage Hill Brewery
The Challenger Baseball Sunset Soiree at Heritage Hill Brewery
March 9, 2024
Philanthropy
Recent Events
Syracuse, NY, March 9th, 2024
March 9th at Heritage Hill Brewery was a night to remember; it was a gathering of hearts and minds united by a shared passion for inclusivity in sports. The Challenger Baseball Sunset Soiree, an event close to my heart, saw our community come together to champion a cause that transcends the game: ensuring every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to experience the joy and camaraderie of sports.
As someone deeply involved in the organization and hosting of this soiree, I found myself reflecting on the powerful role sports have played in my life and the lives of my children. Watching my kids on the field, witnessing their triumphs and challenges, has been one of my greatest joys as a parent. It’s a feeling every parent deserves, and it’s why the soiree, aimed at supporting the Carrier Park Super Field, holds such significance for me.
The evening was a resounding success, a testament to the power of community. Sold out and filled with laughter, shared stories, and a collective spirit of generosity, we not only met our fundraising goal but exceeded it. These funds will directly benefit the Carrier Park Super Field, making sports more accessible and enjoyable for children with disabilities.
As I stood before friends, family, partners and fellow supporters, speaking about my personal connection to the cause, I was reminded of the unique bond sports create among us. It’s a universal language, one that teaches teamwork, resilience, and the pure joy of playing a game. Through sports, we find common ground, build lifelong friendships, and discover our potential, both on and off the field.
The success of the Challenger Baseball Sunset Soiree helps us continue building more inclusive, joy-filled futures for many children and their families.
A huge shout out to Jason Smorol, our esteemed MC for the night, who guided us through the program.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, whose generosity and commitment to our community shone brightly that night. A heartfelt thank you to:
- Gannon Pest Control
- Print and Promotional Solutions
- The Lobdell Family
- The Brady Family
- Weppon New York
- Rudderow Law
- CNY Sealing and Paving
- The Insurance Store
- Dakota Wealth Management
- Montreal Construction
Your support is an investment in joy, inclusion, and the boundless potential of every child. As we look ahead, let’s continue to champion the causes that bring us together, that remind us of our shared humanity, and that allow every child the chance to play, grow, and dream.
In addition to the wonderful sponsors, I must extend a special thank you to my dear friend and the #1 restaurateur in Syracuse, George Angeloro, owner of Francesca’s. Having George’s support truly meant the world to us. It was also incredibly special to have the nationally acclaimed comedian, Jessimae Peluso, in attendance!
Thank you to everyone who made the Challenger Baseball Sunset Soiree a night to remember. Here’s to many more victories, both on the field and in our hearts. Want to help us make an impact? Make a donation here.
About Vinny Lobdell
Vinny Lobdell is an entrepreneur and a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness. His investments and philanthropic efforts are driven by a personal mission to improve mental health care and reduce stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
About Syracuse Challenger Baseball
The Syracuse Challenger Baseball program is the largest single-district Little League International Challenger Baseball program for children and adults with special needs in the country. Our goal is to create friendships among players, parents and volunteers through the game of baseball. The league is free for all players. The league is run entirely by volunteers including coaches, assistants, league directors, and an all-volunteer board of directors.