I received an email this week from Chris Vining of Fall River National Little League. Chris mentioned that Fall River National would be hosting a charity tournament this July and August to benefit Angels Anonymous, whose mission statement reads:

“Angels Anonymous strives to improve the quality of life for all those living in the city of Fall River, MA and in surrounding communities. This service includes but is not limited to a monthly food pantry, neighborhood-cleanups/community restoration projects, charitable drives, holiday assistance, LGBTQ events, and donations. Angels Anonymous serves ALL patrons in need with dignity, respect and inclusiveness by not discriminating in services offered to anyone based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, religion, creed, political affiliation, disability, and/or Veteran’s status.“

Attached in the email was a brief description of the charity tournament and a few flyers that I have posted below. Here is more from Chris Vining of Fall River National Little League:

“For the past decade Fall River National Baseball League has put on a charity baseball tournament. In 2020 that streak came to an end due to Covid, but we are back and better than ever this year. We have made changes to our 2 weekend tournament, adding in a 10U weekend to go along with our annual 12U tournament (based on age on May 1, 2021). Our 2021 charity is Angels Anonymous. Please see the attached flyer and tournament packet for information on this charity and how to register. We are hoping to get a dozen teams for each weekend with a 3 game minimum. All proceeds from our registration, concession, raffles, etc go directly to the charity. Thank you for your time and I hope to see you there.“

I messaged Chris back for some additional information on the tournament. Chris got back to me with some photos and background on the tournament. Here is Chris speaking about this year’s tournament and why the cause is so important to the Fall River Community.

“In 2011 we started a charity tournament to benefit the Community Autism Resource. A close friend of the league has a child named Jayden who is severely Autistic. Our league wanted to do something to give back, and each year we had more teams (over 50 different leagues have been represented) from across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Word of mouth spread and we regularly get teams from as far away as Boston and Worcester as well as throughout the local area. Not only is this the 10th tournament, we have raised close to $60k for Community Autism Resource, the Katie Brown Project, Relay for Life, and the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River. Throughout the years we have gotten to know coaches and players, seen younger brothers and sisters play and have had local businesses help support through donations and raffles. This is a tournament that is unique because it doesn’t matter if you are Little League, Cal Ripken, Pony, or your own independent league, you are welcome. Bring your charitable attitude, have fun, play fair, and may the best team win.”

Thank you Chris for sharing this information with me so I can share it with the Rhode Island Baseball Community!!! It looks like a fantastic tournament to get involved with. Local teams from Rhode Island and Massachusetts are welcome to sign up for the 10U or the 12U tournaments. Tournament dates are end of July for the 10U and beginning of August for the 12U. I have attached the entry forms and the tournament information in this article. If you need further information, feel free to contact Chris Vining at coachcvining@gmail.com. Good luck to all the players, coaches, and families participating this summer in Fall River!!!

Website for Angels Anonymous is – www.angelsanonymousfr.com.

Website for Fall River National Little League is – www.frnbl.com

Photos courtesy of Chris Vining

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