Houston Astros’ George Springer 4th Annual All-Star Bowling Benefit Raises More Than $250K

Proceeds from the event will send children from families-in-need to Camp SAY, a life-changing summer camp for young people who stutter

 

George Springer and SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young hit the ball out of the park at the George Springer All-Star Bowling Benefit held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, at Bowlmor Houston.

Springer, a person who stutters, hosted the Bowling Benefit to provide financial aid help and ensure that children from all socio-economic backgrounds have access to Camp SAY.

His message to the 450 children, fans, fellow teammates, and local celebrities was one of inspiration and gratitude.

“Don’t let anything stop you from being who you are. Kids, be yourself. Enjoy your life,” he said.

The event raised more than $250,000.

“We’ve grown every year,” Springer said. “It’s awesome. It’s an honor, and I’m humbled. I hope to keep it going and get bigger and bigger.”

Loading up the bases with support from the Houston Astros were Springer’s teammates Chris Devenski, Tony Kemp, Lance McCullers, Brad Peacock, Tony Sipp, Joe Smith, Astros third base coach Gary Pettis, Astros bullpen coach Doug White, Astros Manager AJ Hinch and Astros President Reid Ryan.

Star players in the game included: Randy Bates, Dr. Kevin Smith, Toni & Scott Hughes, Lackland H. Bloom III, Justin Ellerton, John J. O’Brien, Jeff Gorski, Liz & Dave Unger, Shaun Smithson, Terry Deckard, Cheryl Sue, George’s wife Charlise and his parents, George and Marie Springer, Lee and Corrine Vela of Clear Channel Outdoor, Rod Windham of iHeart Media, Roseann Rogers, and Russell Masraff.

The celebrity lane captain roster, which included:

• KHOU Meteorologist Chita Craft
• KHOU’s Great Day Houston Host Deborah Duncan
• KPRC Radio Host Michael Garfield
• CultureMap Columnist Ken Hoffman
• Walton & Johnson Radio Show Host Steve Johnson
• NBA Charlotte Hornets Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
• KPRC’s Khambrel Marshall
• KTRK’s David Nuno
• Former Houston Oilers Dan Pastorini
• KHMX Radio Host Sarah Pepper
• KPRC’s Chester Pitts
• KODA Radio Host Jay Rodriguez
• KHMX Radio Host Geoff Sheen
• KHOU’s TV Anchor Ron Trevino
• KPRC’s Courtney Zavala

A Day Camp was held on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Magnolia Houston Hotel, for young people who stutter. The free life-changing camp allowed kids and teens the opportunity to meet new friends who stutter and participate in exciting activities that help build confidence. Afterwards, the campers and their parents joined SAY for the Houston Astros vs. Chicago White Sox afternoon game, including a meet and greet with Springer in the Astros Press Room.

AT THE EVENT:

Taro Alexander, founder of SAY, led with “Hype” – a call-and-response pep rally with Springer and guests forming a huge circle of support around all of the kids who stutter. Alexander shared his inspiring story as a person who stutters and how Camp SAY is changing lives because every voice matters.

Springer, the national spokesperson for Camp SAY, stepped up to the plate to voice his support for young people who stutter welcoming the kids in attendance and all kids who stutter to become a part of his team.

Noah Cornman, Executive Director of SAY, along with SAY Director of Programming Travis Robertson, gave a special performance of a Camp SAY “morning song” dedicated to Springer, followed by inspiring speeches from Camp SAY kids Malcolm Venable, and Finn Balan, who presented Springer with the SAY Hero Award. The evening was dedicated to Houston Police Department Officer Jerry Flores, a longtime friend of the Astros who is recovering from an accident.

Co-chairs were Lara Bell and Melissa DeAyala, Junior Chair Matthew DeAyala, and Honorary Chair Dr. Carolyn Farb.

LOCAL SUPPORT: 

The event was made possible by the generous support of the exclusive radio and outdoor media sponsors: SportsTalk 790AM, who broadcasted live from the bowling event, iHeartMedia Houston, and Clear Channel Outdoor.

Event sponsors include H-E-B, Anheuser Busch, Karya Property Management, Axe Bat, PFS Group, Phillips 66, Schechter McElwee Shaffer & Harris, Merrill Lynch, Fig & Olive, J.K. Inc., Selah Financial Services, Pura Vida Spirits, The Legacy Agency, Guggenheim Bank, Blackhorse, and Hotel Zaza Memorial City.

Media sponsors included: CultureMap, Defender, Energy Corridor Living, Hot in Houston Now, Houston Family Magazine, Houston Modern Luxury, Houstonia, JMG, Key Magazine, Swoon Memorial, Town & Country Sports and Yelp.

Featured photo: V. Sweeten