Photo Gallery (images by Bob Toy & Austin McKeon)

Brisbane, CA – There was much more than simply two softball games happening out at Mission Blue Field this past Sunday. For the third consecutive year, Academy of Art University hosted a memorable 3rd Annual Swing for a Cause event which raised awareness and support for two courageous organizations. With Hope, the Amber Craig Memorial Foundation and the Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital were each spotlighted as the Urban Knights and Dominican University wore special signature jerseys which were auctioned off with proceeds benefiting a pair of causes close to the hearts of their respective teams.

“Each year, the cause we pick has been special to us for one reason or another,” head coach Rachel Sherman said. “This year's cause was picked by our players; [Lauren] Stover in particular. The cause meant a lot to her and we wanted to make the event a great one. With Hope Foundation has helped many families and they made the event that much more special by getting involved with us and attending.”

With Hope Foundation is forever dedicated to suicide prevention through improving mental health support services and education which made the day's proceedings especially significant for ART U's Lauren Stover. Just over a year ago, Stover had a close friend, Shelby Perez, take her own life at the age of 14. Perez was a standout softball player herself and the news of her death came as a shock to her friends, family, and the softball community. The Perez family was referred to With Hope Foundation to help them through the grieving process. Adopting the motto 'Helping Others Prevent suicide through Education,' With Hope Foundation has committed to making available, at no cost to the schools, speakers and materials to effectively educate our community's youth on suicide prevention and depression awareness.

“For me, these games were so important because I have lost a loved one to childhood suicide and it has been life-changing,” Stover said. “So I pray these games impacted the community and helped With Hope Foundation raise enough money to help spread awareness.”

The Urban Knights had a multi-faceted effort to make contributions to With Hope, the Amber Craig Memorial Foundation during the day. In addition to the silent auction for their limited edition green jerseys which promoted awareness of teen depression, proceeds from concession sales, a 50/50 raffle, and flat donations all supported the cause. And, in a special moment before the game, Annette Craig, With Hope Foundation CEO and founder, as well as Heather Schuster, the foundation's Assistant Program Director, were invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

“I thought it was great for both teams to take the time and support two great organizations that touched each team personally,” freshman pitcher Haily MacDonald said. “It is always rewarding knowing you are able to help and support others. We had a great turnout and the fans were also very supportive of the cause.”

For Dominican University, Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital was the cause of choice. The Penguins also auctioned off their unique white and blue jerseys which paid tribute to the organization's care for those who have sustained spinal cord injuries in the line of duty.

“This year was great,” sophomore outfielder Elyse Cordova said, after her second season participating. “Again, you could see how each team was personally 'swinging for a cause.' It's great to play ball and even better when we can work with other organizations to help those who need it. It's a nice thing to be a part of.”

Like Stover, Dominican senior Kellie Hislop also had a personal link to the efforts of the Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital. Hislop's aunt, Sue Arrouzet, a Fire Captain for CAL FIRE, suffered a spinal cord injury on the job this past November. Yet despite her injury, Sue still continues to come to as many games as possible to support her niece and the team. On Sunday, Sue was welcomed out to the field to throw the Penguins' first pitch with friends and family cheering her on.

Proceeds collected from Dominican for Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital will be used directly towards the purchase of a LifeGait, a walking device that simultaneously controls a person's body weight, posture, and balance over a treadmill or in open spaces. The LifeGait will assist spinal cord patients to achieve a standing position while providing a safe environment for them to begin standing and walking.

“There are a lot of causes and foundations out there that do so much, but do not get the publicity,” Coach Sherman said. “I think by picking some less obvious causes, it exposes the girls to different issues and shows how to help other people who are struggling in different walks of life.”

Academy of Art University and Coach Sherman would like to say a special thank you again to Joe Martini and Martini Sports for donating the specially crafted jerseys. For more information on their work, please visit www.martinisports.net.

The Knights and Penguins also want to give a heartfelt thank you to With Hope, the Amber Craig Memorial Foundation and the Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital for their continued support in the 2012 Swing for a Cause. If you would like to help support the extraordinary efforts of either organization, please visit: www.withhopefoundation.org and www.kentfieldrehab.com.

“This year's 'Swing for a Cause' meant all the world to me,” Stover said. “I am so grateful to Coach Sherman, the rest of the coaching staff, and my teammates were so supportive of this cause and making it possible to help spread awareness through not only the softball community, but also in general. There are so many young teens and children nowadays fighting the thoughts of suicide and, by spreading awareness and letting them know that people do care about them, we may help save a life and that's all I can ask for.”