LOWELL — The sixth annual Pitch for Prevention drew a higher-than-expected 400 visitors and competitors to the U.S. Bunting and Cricket Club Saturday.
Event hosts, Hidden Battles Foundation have been staging the popular event since 2017 to help bring awareness and support to first responders and military veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts.
But the tossing of bags, which included 47 teams, is just one feature of the daylong family event. With lots of kid-friendly family attractions, free food and interactive opportunities with law enforcement and military members, it’s no wonder that the Pitch for Prevention has shown steady growth each year.
“I am very happy with the crowd size,” said Scott Hyder, cofounder of the Hidden Battles Foundation, a nonprofit organization that operates under the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “Last year we raised more than $10,000 for our foundation.”
Most of the revenue comes from donation-points around the grounds plus the $60 per team entry fee for the tournament.
But the highlight of the day is the canine demonstration. All activities are suspended while local police give a demonstration about their dogs’ capabilities. This year, Hyder wore the padded gear and allowed himself to be “mauled” by K9 Dillon, to the delight of onlookers.
Hyder launched Hidden Battles in 2017 after his brother, a corrections officer, succumbed to suicide. Following his brother’s death, Hyder learned that the issue facing veterans and first responders is far more extensive and persistent than he realized.
“We need to end the stigma associated with stress-related mental challenges,” he said. “Bring it out of the shadows.”
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September 28, 2022 at 06:26AM
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Cornhole for a cause: Pitch for Prevention attracts larger than expected crowd - Lowell Sun
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