Playin' Ball For A Great Cause - June 2011

Ulene Smuin Jensen- 2010 Benefactor- Ulene received a new

heart last year that is still beating strong today. “Thanks everyone!"

By: Jennifer Rook

When a vicious cancer struck an active, young mother in her mid twenties twelve years ago, her family and friends were devastated. Marie Dulen was a healthy, vivacious woman who was fighting a tough battle against cancer that had invaded her pancreas and liver. Marie battled it out, but slipped further and further away each day. Watching her painful struggle a group of her friends got organized to help the family out with mounting medical costs and to start a fund for Marie's precious children, Jazmyn and Dusty, who would soon be without their mother the rest of their lives. This group of friends did what they did best. They played ball. Marie's softball friends came through for her family in a big way by organizing a huge charity softball tournament; The Hit, Run, Score Charity Softball Tournament.

Marie had been an avid softball player who made friends everywhere she played ball. Those friends also came through for Marie in a huge way as teams began to fill the tournament, eager to give, umpire and play softball for a great cause. Word spread fast and soon there were more teams signed up than anyone ever imagined. Sherry Jessen recalls teams coming to play from Price, Salt Lake, Grand Junction and all over the Basin. Everyone turned out for the all-night tournament and three solid days and nights of non-stop softball action. That first year more than $10,000 was raised on behalf of Marie Dulen and the donations poured in again the next year and the next and the tournament continues to raise money for folks affected by illness every year.

Past Hit-Run-Score Recipients

(2010) Mark Hatch

(2010) Ulene Smuin Jensen

(2010) Joshua Baumgarten

(2009) Wayne Jenkins

(2009) Terry Harvey

(2008)Kayle Gardiner

(2008)Becky Erskine Gardiner

(2008)Al Stone

(2007)Shelly Slaugh

(2007)Debbie Pummell

(2007)MarShel Erickson Gonzales

(2006)Cody Anderson

(2006)Carolyn Anderson

(2005)Lexie Haslem

(2005)Deegan Harwood

(2005)Matthew Harris

The Hit, Run, Score Tournament has become a
standing dare for many Uintah Basin residents.

Prior to this, donations were made to the Ronald Mcdonald house and family of Marie Dulen. Our past successes would not have been possible without your generous donations and support.

The Hit, Run, Score Tournament has quickly become one of the premier tournaments in the state of Utah, bringing in hundreds of players from out of town each year. Tournament proceeds are given to deserving people in the community who suffer from a variety of illnesses. Some past tournament benefactors still struggle with their illness, others have beaten the odds and have recovered, and others' memories will live on in our hearts.

2011 benefactors include:

Robin Olpin Ross - Robin is the wife of Geo Ross and the mother to Miquel (Young) Norton, Vincent, Aaron and Zachary Young and 3 year old George Ross. She is grandmother to Attisyn and Cougan Norton. Robin was raised in Roosevelt and Neola. She is the daughter of Ted and Nancy Olpin. Robin worked in the insurance industry for 15 years. She was working for Wal-mart as a zone merchandise supervisor prior to being diagnosed with Lobular Breast Cancer almost a year ago. She is still in treatment but hopes to be on the mend by the end of summer.



Quin Dickson - Quin is married to Janelle Bascom Dickson, together they have four children. Quin is a lifelong resident of Vernal. Nine years ago, Quin was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Stiff Persons Syndrome. Quin has seizure-like episodes every night, having at least 30-40 attacks each time. His muscles contract so hard his bones break, muscles are torn and disc are herniated. He has had 15 surgeries so far to repair the damage caused from the seizures. The disease is a rare neurological brain disorder and is terminal. *see accompanying article about Quin in this issue!*

From the opening pitch, courtesy of a Hit-Run-Score Recipient

to the overwhelming love and support of the entire community,

this is a tournament that has found success because of people who care enough

to give of themselves while doing something they love!

Putting on such a huge tournament is no small task so a HUGE thank-you goes out to tournament organizers past, present and future as well as Vernal City, Vernal Youth Baseball and the many volunteers and businesses and individuals who donate prizes and money. This tournament would not be possible without a single one of you and your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.

    The 12^th Annual Hit, Run, Score Charity Softball Tournament will be held June 24^th, 25^th and 26^th at the Vernal City ballpark. Get a team together and enter today. Or, stop by for a great time and lots of fun softball. There are always plenty of raffle tickets with great prizes as well as 24 hour concessions. 100% of all proceeds are donated to benefactor families.

If you would like more information regarding this effort, please contact one of the following:

- Mikki Rasmussen (435) 828-0314 (435) 781-0314

- Jill Sheffield (435) 781-3012 (435) 823-0324