The Campbell’s Bay community came together once again over the weekend for another fundraiser in support of the families of Charlie Frost and Steve Morin, this time a ball tournament.
All weekend long, the bleachers at the Maurice Beauregard Park were packed with people, many wearing the ‘Two Legends, One Cause’ t-shirts made to honour the men who died this winter when their snowmobiles collided.
The ‘Bay Boys’ 3-Pitch Fundraiser, as it was called, saw 14 teams compete over the course of three days, with the Corriveaus winning the recreation division and the Bombers winning the open division. Alongside the tournament, there was face painting and bouncy castles for the kids on Saturday afternoon, live music, a 50/50 draw, and a draw for a 6-month lease on a truck donated by Shawville Ford.
On Saturday evening, a special game was scheduled between Charlie and Steve’s teams, Halfcut and Outsiders, respectively. But before the game got underway, the Pontiac Lions announced the dugouts of the ball field would be named after Charlie and Steve.
“As young boys, Steve and Charlie spent countless hours on this very field, playing ball, building friendships, and developing the love of the game that stayed with them throughout their lives,” said Lions member Debbie Frost to the crowd, before unveiling two plaques that would be used to name each bench.
“This field is where many of their greatest memories began, and it is fitting that their memories now live on here for generations to come. [ . . . ] The signs above each dugout will serve as a lasting reminder of two men who loved the game and whose spirit will forever be part of this ball park.”
Balls signed by Charlie and Steve’s team members were then given to their sons, who launched the game by pitching the balls to their mothers, Tammie Bérard and Lauren Kluke.
Tim Ferrigan, one of several tournament organizers, said he was happy to see the strong community support at the tournament.
“It was tough, still tough, for everybody,” he said of losing Steve and Charlie. “You think about it, right?”
He said he was approached by a few guys who had previously played ball with Steve and Charlie who thought it would be a good idea to get a tournament going in their honour. One of these guys was Jason Beaudoin, who ran the umpiring for the weekend’s games.
“Sorry if I break up, but Steve was a good friend. Charlie was too, but Steve was family. He was a stand-up guy. On the drop of a dime Steve would help somebody. Charlie was the same,” Beaudoin said, noting he was thrilled to see the turnout.
Ferrigan said he was grateful for the many community organizations that stepped up to support the event, including significant support from the Municipality of Campbell’s Bay, which donated use of the RA hall for the weekend and was otherwise “fully behind the event.”
“Obviously this weekend is big because it’s for Steve and Charlie. We can see it out there,” he said, gesturing to the stands. “It’s largely family and friends, but it’s not just family and friends. It’s community coming out because of the extreme nature of that situation, and everybody cares. It’s pretty incredible.”
On Monday, Ferrigan shared that the event had raised $12,892 for each family.
