Home-runs, fly balls and near-impossible catches is what people will find at the 14th annual Guns vs. Hoses charity softball game.
Deputies from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #8, or the “Guns,” will be facing off against the Idaho Falls Fire Department, or “Hoses,” in a charity game for Make-A-Wish Idaho.
“When this began they wanted to do this charity event for a worthy cause and they picked Make-A-Wish Idaho,” said Bonneville County Sheriff Sgt. Bryan Lovell. “We've had some contacts there with Julie Thomas of Make-A-Wish Idaho and she's been great to work with. And we just wanted to raise funds to help their cause, help some kids get their wishes.”
Lovell says it will be a game that will surely impress as the fans will be able to get involved in the action as well with the series of what the Sheriff’s Department calls “shenanigans.”
Crowd members will be able to buy points for their favorite team, place players in a makeshift jail and add impairment goggles to the batters. They can do so by donating.
“And of course, every penny goes to Make-A-Wish Idaho,” Lovell said. “It’s a great cause and it’s a lot of fun. It feels really good.”
An afternoon of fun and games is exactly what the fundraiser is for, with raffle prizes and concessions. All proceeds will go to Make-A-Wish Idaho. Last year, the game raise $12,000. Over its 14 years, the games have raised around $100,000, and Sgt. Lovell has been there for every single game.
“No matter who wins at the end, the very best part of that is when we gather out on the field and we all come out on the field together and we all present the big novelty check with a grand total of what we raised from the game that night and we get to present that to the Make-A-Wish folks,” Lovell said.
The game will be played at Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls on July 25. Gates open at 6pm and the game starts at 7pm sharp.
“We hope everybody comes out and has a great time,” Lovell said.