Community

Written by Kimberly Johnson

Fiscal Year 2009-2010 was both a challenging and rewarding year for Samaritan House.  The new fiscal year, which began on July 1, is one of change and offers some exciting new opportunities including the introduction of a brand new event for Samaritan House, the Wheeler Dodgeball Benefit Tournament in August and also the return of Samaritan House’s 5K walk/run during Domestic Violence Awareness month (October).

The Wheeler Dodgeball Benefit Tournament is Wheeler Interests’ (www.wheelerint.com) 3rd annual charity dodgeball tournament.  This year the tournament will benefit Samaritan House, as well as Horizons Hampton Roads.   The tournament will be held this year on Saturday, August 14th (9 A.M.–3 P.M.) at Virginia Wesleyan College (1584 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, VA 23502).

Main Entry: dodge•ball
Pronunciation: \däj-bol\
Function: noun
Date: 1903

A game in which players stand in a circle and try to hit opponents within the circle with a large inflated ball (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

Teams for the tournament are currently forming - registration may be completed through the event’s website (www.wheelerdodgeball.com).  Eight players are needed per team and the minimum age requirement is 18 years.  Each team is guaranteed eight matches with best two out of three per match.

Awards will be given for:
•  Tournament Champions in gold, silver and bronze (in each division)
•  Best team uniforms
•  Most clever team name
•  Tournament MVP (as decided by the referees)

Samaritan House is extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate and be a beneficiary of the 3rd annual tournament.   In addition to registration and sponsorships, donations are also being taken through www.wheelerdodgeball.com .  All donations are tax deductible. 

This October Samaritan House will carry on its longest standing fundraiser and host the 7th Annual De-Feet Domestic Violence 5K Walk/Run.   Each fall supporters of Samaritan House and advocates for Domestic Violence gather at the Virginia Beach oceanfront to bring awareness in the community and to raise much needed funds for programs and services that support the organization’s clients. 

Last year a 5K race component was added to the event and brought a new group of supporters to Samaritan House.  With the great success of this addition, the event will again feature the race portion as well as maintain the walk component.  Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place times for both males and females.  

De-Feet Domestic Violence will take place this year on Sunday, October 24 and will begin at the 24th St. Park at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

The event will feature live music, free food and beverages, children’s activities and a keynote speaker.  Each registered participant will also receive a 7th Annual De-Feet Domestic Violence t-shirt.  Children (ages 12 and under) and accompanied by an adult may walk or run for free. 

Things You'll Need:
•  Good Pair of running shoes
•  Comfortable running shorts
•  Running socks (non cotton)
•  Simple wrist stop watch

Registration is $25 per person or $20 per person for groups of 10 or more and may be done through www.active.com.  Sponsorship opportunities are also available and can be personalized to fit each company’s needs.  For questions regarding registration or sponsorship, please call Development (757) 631-0710.    

Please visit the Samaritan House website for more information on both events www.samaritanhouseva.org.