Bat ‘n Rouge Softball Tournament Hits it Out of the Park

Bat 'n Rouge 2013

Portland, August 4th, 2013. “Barbies” and “Gym Bunnies” slugged it out to raise over $14,000 at the Bat ‘n Rouge. The humorously competitive softball tournament raised funds for the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund and Camp KC, a fun and safe summer camp for local kids affected or infected with HIV/AIDS. It’s a program of Cascade AIDS Project. This is the second year of the event.

The Barbies raised the most money. Organizers had the perfect description of the team, “Decked out in all of Barbie’s accessories, they’ll hit a home run AND be home in time to cook Ken dinner.”

The Biker Chicks were a popular group and made it to the finals of the Bat ‘n Rouge. Explained organizers, “This team is ready to play ball and possibly repair your car.”

Female impersonators Monica Boulevard and Poison Waters

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence served as umpires for the Bat ‘n Rouge

The Gym Bunnies were a crowd favorite.

Event Organizers Bekah Telew and Andrew Shayde

Sara McCrimmon and Erin Northrup from Camp KC

The Gay Nerds started reading in the infield during the game between the Barbies and the Biker Chicks.

In the end, the Barbies in heels took the top honors by raising more money then the other three teams: the Gym Bunnies, the Nerds, and the Biker Chicks.

About Camp KC:

Camp KC (Kids Connection), is Cascade AIDS Project’s lakeside summer camp for HIV/AIDS affected children in the age range of 5-14. The one week camp experience is a unique component of our yearlong program for children and families, Kids Connection. Campers enjoy arts &crafts, swimming, canoeing, music and more all while in the supportive community of trained and dedicated volunteers.

About the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund:
Audria was a gay rights activist, a devoted mother of six (four of whom were GLBT), and the second president of the Portland Chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-Flag). In the fall of 1987, Audria M. Edwards passed away. The following spring, her children established the Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund in tribute to Audria’s passion for continued education. Today, it is administered by Peacock Productions, Inc.; an organization funded by donations, the proceeds of variety shows and community fundraisers. Those eligible for the scholarship are Oregon residents of one year, who are seeking post-secondary, or under-graduate education in an accredited institution, and are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or have a LGBT parent.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.