Mockingbird Youth Participate in UWKC Softball Classic to Fight Youth Homelessness

On June 15 Mockingbird staff and youth participated in United Way of King County's 1st Annual All-Star Softball Classic.The event raised money and awareness to support the fight against youth homelessness. The event was a huge success, raising $1.2 million!

Mockingbird Youth Participate in UWKC Softball Classic to Fight Youth Homelessness

The softball game was made up of thousands of fans, 11 non-profit and government sponsors, 52 players, 40 company sponsors, hundreds of volunteers, and Mariners staff. Several Seattle legends participated in the game, including former Super Sonic Gary Payton, former Mariners Dan Wilson, Jay Buhner, and Edgar Martinez, Seahawk wide receiver Golden Tate, and Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament. There was also community members from all sectors and age groups on each team. The two teams were captained by Dan Wilson and Jay Buhner respectively, with Wilson's team pulling out an 18-17 victory in truly dramatic fashion.

Mockingbird Homeless Youth Initiative participants, Chapter Members, and Mockingbird Youth Network Representatives were actively involved in the preparation, pre-event media coverage, and game-day play. Prior to game day, Network Representative Montrai Williams filmed an interview on the New Day program, alongside Dan Wilson, which can be watched here. 
Montrai also gave an interview with KIRO 97.3 FM about her involvement in the event. You can hear the interview here. Montrai shared her story of a seven year on-and-off again homeless streak, her entrepreneurial goals, and her role at Mockingbird.

HYI participants and Network Representatives filmed several short videos that were shown during the game. These videos shared personal stories and discussed some of the barriers homeless youth face, as well as the victories they've won. They were shown on Safeco Field's new jumbo screen and communicated powerful and inspiring stories about the strengths and needs of our homeless youth to community supporters. 

Mockingbird youth had the wonderful opportunity to be on the field and participate during the game, serving as pinch runners and players throughout the afternoon. Dahkota Beckham and Leo Fernandez served as pinch runners, with Dahkota excitedly scoring a run.

Jackie Affronte and Michael Wilson participated as deliverers of the Kickball Power Up. Network Representative Montrai Williams and Seattle Chapter Leader Nicholas Holcombe assisted Jay Buhner in selecting an item for Dan Wilson to bat with, in honor of Jay's team winning a game-day text message donation contest. With the help of Montrai and Nicholas, Jay selected the "pool noodle", forcing Dan to hit with it. 

Overall this was a successful and fun day for all involved! Staff and youth were all smiles at the day's end. In addition to spending a fun Saturday in the sun, this was a fantastic event that raised money and awareness for youth homelessness. It was truly heartwarming to see such wide spread community support and generosity. With everyone's help we can move closer to ensuring all youth have a safe place to sleep and the opportunity to thrive.  

For more photos from the Softball Classic please check out our Facebook Page.