Carpentersville dodgeball tourney a fun time for charity

The unmistakable pinging sounds of dodge balls hitting their targets - and audiences cheering and groaning - could be heard on multiple courts Saturday during the fifth annual Carpentersville IAFF 4790 Dodgeball Tournament in Dundee-Crown High School gymnasium.

Thirty-three teams of six people played for a chance to win money and benefit two charities: Muscular Dystrophy Association and FISH Food Pantry of Carpentersville.

Art Carrillo, a Carpentersville firefighter and chairman of the fundraising committee, estimated the total will be about $4,000, which is close to what was raised in 2014.

The International Association of Fire Fighters is the largest national sponsor of MDA with more than 280,000 members in the United States and Canada. Proceeds go toward MDA's summer camps for kids, health education and other programs.

Cash prizes were awarded to the top three teams. There were also silent auction sports memorabilia and various raffle prizes available.

Reigning 2014 champs of the tournament (as well as the 2010 champs) Pro Status were on a roll, winning several of their matches on their journey to reclaim their first-place standing.

Veteran team member Benny Ramirez of Roselle has been playing the sport for over 10 years and has been at this tournament all five years. "It's just a lot of fun. It's a great way to meet other people who enjoy the sport of dodgeball," he continued, "from jocks to geeks to girls. You can never underestimate the women."

Nick Konopa of Bartlett has been playing seven years but is new to the Pro Status team.

"I really enjoy the sport because it's really nondenominational," he said. "People of all body types and athletic abilities can play,"

He echoed Ramirez' sentiment of the sport being a great way to meet people and added it's also a stress reliever.

To find out more about the fundraiser or to donate, go to iafflocal4790.org.