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NILES -- Two baseball teams played Friday afternoon at Eastwood Field for a special game that doubled as a fundraiser to benefit the family of 13-year-old Brenton Hemberger, who died April 1 after a tree fell on his family's home on Park Road in Leavittsburg during a powerful thunderstorm.
His family attended the LaBrae vs Jackson-Milton game. Seated right behind home plate were his mother, Kassandra Hemberger, and stepfather, Thomas Pitt, both wearing light blue shirts that read "In loving memory" along with a picture of Brenton sitting on the stairs to heaven.
During a rain delay, a somber moment came over the stadium when Kassandra Hemberger and Pitt stood to briefly address the crowd, which was estimated at 100. They were introduced by LaBrae baseball coach Ed Anthony, who also is a Warren Township trustee.
Fighting through tears, Kassandra Hemberger said, "Thank you to everybody who came out for all your generous donations. The whole community coming together like this just shows that there's still truly good people out there. "
Pitt also joined in giving a thank-you to the community for its overwhelming support.
"We really from the bottom of our hearts want to thank you for everything and everybody for reaching out. Thank you all," Pitt said.
People from all over the area were at the game to show solidarity with Brenton's family. A bucket donation was located at the front gate of the stadium, with three workers from Warren Township collecting proceeds. The winners of a 50/50 raffle also were announced during the game. Discount Scrappers tickets also were being handed out at the fundraiser, with all donations going to the Hemberger family.
It was announced over the loud speaker during the game that the family's GoFundMe account is just $8,000 shy of their goal of $25,000.
The community is continuing to show support for the family with several fundraisers planned over the next few weeks.
A benefit dinner will be hosted at 4 p.m. April 29 at the Wagon Wheel Tavern in Leavittsburg featuring $15 plates, a basket raffle, a 50/50 raffle and live music by Phil Brady.
"Project Be Somebody" is looking for volunteers to help with a dinner hosted at LaBrae High School inside the cafeteria from 2 to 7 p.m. June 3. A volunteer meeting will be at 6403 Kale Adams Road from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday to further discuss planning.