Softball tourney raises funds, spirits

A spirited softball tournament to benefit Conrad Kiefer and his family drew more than 100 participants and spectators to the baseball fields of SPRD (Sisters Park & Recreation District) and Sisters High School on Saturday as part of a day-long show of support for their stricken friend and teammate.

Kiefer was recently diagnosed with a Stage 3 brain tumor and is presently undergoing treatment and unable to work at his job with the City of Sisters. Eight softball teams from Redmond, Bend, Prineville and Sisters battled it out in a double-elimination contest, cracking bats and guzzling sports drinks in the 90-degree heat to raise money to assist the Kiefer family with bills and living expenses.

Ten-dollar donations per person accumulated nearly $800 for the cause. Games continued well into the evening with the Deals On Wheels team emerging the victor. Their prize was an all-you-can-eat pizza party by Papandrea's for the entire team. The atmosphere was relaxed and upbeat, with families reclining under awnings and firing up portable barbecues as kids scrambled over the grass and watched parents sprint around the bases or field a fly ball.

Kiefer himself, unable to play with his regular softball team, did get to swing the bat a few times in the Long Ball Derby and smacked one of the longest balls out into the outfield. His attitude was upbeat and he swung with a smile.

An initial operation to remove the tumor was 75 percent successful and a second procedure due last week was rescheduled for Wednesday, August 3.

After the final outs and the dust settled, the party continued with a barbecued pulled-pork dinner on the lawns outside Ski Inn for a suggested donation of $8. Members of Kiefer's family sat with friends and tired softball contestants for a great meal and chance to show their appreciation to the community. Dancing and live rock by Salem's Thunder Road over at Hardtails Bar and Grill completed the "Conrad Kind Of Day."

Nearly 30 area merchants and businesses gave generously for items to be raffled off during the post-tournament dinner. Prizes like lunch at Bronco Billy's, dinner for two at The Gallery Restaurant, a round of golf at Aspen Lakes, jewelry, art and even a birthday cake for 24 people courtesy of Sisters Bakery were up for grabs, with all monies raised going to the Kiefer family.

Friend and organizer Shannon Peters wished to express her appreciation to everyone who contributed and came out to help Conrad.

"What a day. Thanks to my servers, Joslyn and Dylan McKenzie," she said. "Jason Condel and Chris Peters did an awesome job putting the tournament together, and this is a great spot for a picnic from Ski Inn. On behalf of myself and the family, thank you all. It was a great day and a huge success."