Warsaw softball senior Sarah Shoemaker has spearheaded a fundraiser for this Friday’s Warsaw-Concord game that involves the Wounded Warrior Project. (File photo by Mike Deak)

WARSAW – A unique and selfless opportunity of solidarity will happen this Friday in what could otherwise be somewhat of a grudge match.

The Warsaw-Concord softball game, which historically has been a competitive and spirited affair, will take on a bigger meaning if only for those who will be in attendance. Warsaw has invited area veterans and current service men and women to join them Friday. Warsaw will host the Wounded Warrior Project Game, involving the national organization that takes care of those that take care of our country.

Spearheaded by Warsaw senior softballer Sarah Shoemaker with support from the entire program, those who have served will escort players onto the field as a show of appreciation for their service. The softball program is hosting a silent auction at the field Friday, with proceeds from the auction going to the Wounded Warrior Project. The American Legion in Warsaw will also take part in the event.

Among the items in the auction include a month of free tanning from Tiki Tan, a Bowers Jewelry merchandise coupon, and a pair of tickets to see Indiana University men’s basketball Tom Crean speak at the Wagon Wheel in Warsaw on May 7. The team is also sponsoring a bake sale as part of the overall event.

“Our goal is to raise $1,000, but that’s not the most important thing for us,” Shoemaker said. “Really, we want to raise enough money to help multiple families go about their lives. If we can help a family get through the week or month, maybe just help with their everyday lives, that’s important to us.

“We get to play softball and have our freedoms because of the soldiers that fight for us,” continued Shoemaker. “I want to help those that help us. That’s what I’d really love to see come from this.”

The varsity softball game itself will begin at 6 p.m., an hour later than usual Northern Lakes Conference starts, with the JV beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 each for the game. Shoemaker noted a big crowd certainly helps the potential of the auction items, but wanted the veterans and military personnel on hand to see the support from the community as well.

“Softball is a common bond and it brings us closer together on the field of play, but it is also a privilege to be able to play the game,” stated Warsaw softball head coach Kevin Dishman. “We do not want to let this opportunity as an ambassador for the game of softball and a student at Warsaw Community High School go to waste.

“We never want to take for granted our chance to play the game at this level and to learn how to be a good teammate,” continued Dishman. “Some of these girls will play at the next level, many will just go to college. But lessons learned now will help them through these times. We all will need some help at times, make sure you are ready to give others a helping hand.”

Wounded Warrior Project was developed after the September 11, 2001 attacks to serve veterans and service members. Those suffering from physical or mental disability, or illness due to service, as well as their families, are among those served through Wounded Warrior Project. As of April 1, 2016, there are 87,624 WWP alumni and 17,872 family members served through the organization.

“When Sarah came to me in the fall and was looking ahead at the spring fundraiser game, she asked if we could do something a little different than the usual fundraiser game,” began Warsaw Community High School athletic director Dave Anson. “When she mentioned she would like to do something to help wounded veterans with the Wounded Warrior Project, right away I knew this school and this community would be on board with her as well. Warsaw Community Schools has always treated our veterans and service members with such class and respect, and this community is tremendous in its appreciation for those that have and those that serve our country, so I thought her choice was spot-on perfect.”