On July 9, fans of the Southern Ohio Copperheads packed Bob Wren Stadium for the annual Turn It Gold With Passion game. The team raised over $10,000 in support of childhood cancer awareness and a local family affected by pediatric cancer. This is ten times the amount raised just four years ago.

Of that total, $6,285 went directly to the Lucas family of Albany, Ohio. 5-year-old Delaney Lucas was diagnosed with leukemia in September 2023. Today, Delaney shows no evidence of the disease. The night celebrated Delaney and honored the strength and resilience of families impacted by childhood cancer.

“It was incredible to see the community come together and support Delaney and her family. The event was a huge success,” said Bella Arbaugh, the Copperheads’ social media assistant.

To amplify the game’s impact, the Copperheads introduced several new fundraising initiatives, including a Hit-a-Thon, where players and staff collected pledges tied to a special hitting practice, and local business sponsorships that donated money for every hit, strikeout, and other on-field achievements during the game.

“I felt honored to participate in helping to raise money for Delaney and her family with the Hit-a-Thon and the Turn It Gold game as well as raising awareness for other families that have experienced childhood cancer,” said Director of Data Analytics Julia Becker.

As in years past, the event was presented in partnership with Turn It Gold, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the landscape of childhood cancer care, and Passion Works Studio, whose handmade golden Passion Flowers were available for purchase at the game. Twenty percent of all sales from Passion Works Studio’s Turn It Gold product line supports ongoing childhood cancer advocacy and research.

Earlier in the season, the Copperheads’ executive staff had the opportunity to visit Passion Works Studio to help paint materials for Passion Flowers and learn more about the Turn It Gold movement. “When learning about what Turn It Gold is and what they stand for, I knew the game would be an important one. But I never could have imagined just how special it was,” said Director of Social Media Grace Thompson Oswalt. “To be able to help and support a family who has been through so much was an amazing thing to be a part of!” she said.

Along with these partners, the Athens-based screenprinting business, Precision Imprint, sponsored the game and created the Copperheads’ signature Turn It Gold jerseys that were used in a silent auction to raise money for Turn It Gold.

The Southern Ohio Copperheads would like to thank the fans and benefactors that made this year’s Turn It Gold With Passion game a smashing success. Events like this are possible because of your support.

The Copperheads’ next fundraiser will take place during Community Night on July 24 in Bob Wren Stadium at 5:05 p.m. For this double-header against the Flag City Sluggers, the Copperheads are partnering with the Joe Burrow Foundation and will have a silent auction of Joe Burrow memorabilia at the stadium. We’re excited to see you there!

By: Maggie Malone