The 16th annual Bill Bromley Memorial Cardiac Kids Softball Tournament Feb. 4 raised $2,840 to benefit superior cardiac care and wellness programs in the community through Sun Health Foundation.
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From left, Nick Missos, President, Sun City West Softball Club; Pamela Kohnen, Director of Philanthropy, Sun Health Foundation; Gina Ore, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Sun Health Foundation; Bonnie Robinett, Volunteer, Sun Health Foundation; and Ken Skinner, Cardiac Kids Tournament Organizer. (Submitted photo)
Posted
By Linda Tyler
Lively banter. A heartwarming tribute. Team comradery. And a passion for giving back.
These descriptions reflect the spirit of the 16th annual Bill Bromley Memorial Cardiac Kids Softball Tournament Feb. 4, which raised $2,840 to benefit superior cardiac care and wellness programs in the community through Sun Health Foundation.
Since the memorial tournament began, a total of more than $22,000 has been raised.
Always played during National Heart Month, the tournament included a welcome and emotional recap of the story of Bromley by tournament organizer Ken Skinner.
Messages of gratitude for the generosity of tournament players, families and friends through the years also were shared by Sun Health Foundation volunteer Bonnie Robinett.
Donations from the Feb. 4 game were derived from player fees, drawings, penalties for challenging the umpires (all in fun), and outright donations during the tournament.
A great friend to many, Bromley was a softball-crazed retiree who envisioned a charity tournament made up entirely of players who, like him, had suffered and recovered from a cardiac medical event.
He had open heart surgery at age 54 and had some stents put in later in his life. Ironically, Bromley suffered a heart attack after a softball game in 2008 and died a short time later. The league tournament was named in his honor in 2009.
“Supporting heart health impacts us all,” said Gina W. Ore, chief philanthropy officer, Sun Health Foundation. “We’re so grateful to Cardiac Kids, the Sun City West Softball Club, and the community for their generosity and so proud to steward these funds that help keep Mr. Bromley’s legacy alive in such a meaningful way. Thank you! We look forward to continuing to partner with this tournament to empower longer, healthier lives.”
