Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development will kick off its 41st annual Softball Weekend on Friday, June 2, at 6 p.m. at Froelich Park, 350 W. Main St., Mountville. The tournament-style event will run through the weekend until Sunday, June 4, at 6 p.m.

Teams may sign up for two- to three-hour blocks of playing time and will be divided into two tournaments: marathon play and competitive double-elimination play. Marathon play will include recreational games for players of all ages and abilities, while the competitive tournament will be held for more experienced men's and coed teams. The winning team from each division of the competitive tournament will receive a trophy. The games for marathon play will be held Friday and Saturday, the coed competitive division will play on Saturday and the men's competitive division will play on Sunday.

For marathon play, teams of 12 to 16 players will be matched with opponents based on their skill level. A kids' game will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, which will include clients of Schreiber Pediatric and their families. Local radio hosts Nipsey and Vince Augello from 105.7 The X will participate in the kids' game, as well as local news anchor Matt Barcaro. "It's a great way to come out and have some fun while supporting a good cause," said Kristen Masengarb, associate director of fund development for Schreiber Pediatric.

The tradition of hosting an annual Softball Weekend was first coordinated by retired police officers Harold Gainer and Bob Race. When Gainer was a young police officer in Hempfield, he created the event to raise money for Schreiber Pediatric and was joined by Race a few years later. Since the first event was held, over $2 million has been raised for Schreiber Pediatric.

"It's a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. People are doing something that they enjoy, but they know that it's also benefiting the families that count on Schreiber every year," said Masengarb. "People always come out with their families and friends to enjoy a competitive but fun day."

Softball Weekend is one of Schreiber Pediatric's largest fundraisers of the year. The money raised from Softball Weekend will help Schreiber Pediatric to complete several projects aimed at expanding its facility and therapy services. Currently, Schreiber Pediatric has a waiting list for many of its services, and it hopes that the expansion projects will make its services more accessible to those seeking treatment. "We want to be able to meet the needs of everyone. The Softball Weekend fundraiser helps us to continue to provide services to clients and families," Masengarb said.

Each player in both the marathon play and competitive games must complete a waiver prior to the first game. To acquire a waiver, visit http://www.schreiberpediatric.org/events/softball-weekend or contact Masengarb at 717-393-0425, ext. 105.