Batavia church fundraiser planned

A Batavia church is planning a fundraiser featuring an old Chicago classic.

Holy Cross Catholic Church will host a 16-inch softball tournament May 3 and 4 at Lions Park in Elburn to help raise money for its new education and community center.

Chair event Matt Zielinski of Batavia is looking for teams or individuals to sign up, and wimps need not apply.

"Unlike 14-inch or 12-inch softball, it's played without gloves," Zielinski said. "It's a softer ball, but you have to be careful about getting your fingers jammed, especially if the ball is new."

Zielinski, 31, grew up in Virgil and said his family played 16-inch softball at picnics. His father is from Chicago and his mother and her brothers played it growing up in Addison.

"It's really identified with Chicago and I love things that remind me of my heritage," Zielinski said. "I'm a Cubs fan and I love going to Wrigley Field. The tournament is for a good cause, and it gives players an outlet. And I think getting together can build community spirit."

Registration is $250 for each team, or about $20 a player, and the double-elimination tournament will feature up to 22 teams. Prizes will be awarded to the three top teams.

Families, neighbors, friends or businesses can field a coed team of 12 to 15 players 12 and older. Individuals who want to play can sign up and be placed on a team.

Registration is at 8 a.m. on both days with the first game about 9 a.m. Team captains will be informed of their schedule so teams can arrive shortly before the game. Concession stands will be open during the tournament.

Holy Cross is building a $7.4 million center which will house a new elementary school and more than 40 educational and community outreach ministries of the church. The kindergarten through eighth grade school will be the first Catholic school built in the Rockford Diocese in more than 30 years.

According to parish business manager William Jacobson the exterior of the center is nearly complete. Classes are planned for the 2008-09 school year.

Registration forms for the softball tournament are available at the church, 2300 Main St., Batavia, and online at www.holycross-batavia.org.

For information, contact Zielinski at (630) 879-0568 or m-zielinski @hotmail.com.