Fordyce Strong Benefit Softball Tournament batting up to help support mass shooting survivors and victims' families

4 months ago 8

FORDYCE, Ark.- Community organizers are gathered co-ed softball teams to raise money for the victims' families and survivors of the Fordyce Mad Butcher mass shooting that will forever impact the town Saturday.

"God blessed us with a nice sunny day to play some softball," tournament organizer Cassidy Kelly said.

According to Kelly, the money from the Fordyce Strong Benefit Co-Ed Softball Tournament will go to a fund set up at Reliance Bank that is split between the families of the victims and the eight civilians, and two law enforcement officers injured.

23-year-old Callie Weems, 50-year-old Roy Sturgis, 63-year-old Shirley Kay Taylor, and 81-year-old Ellen Shrum lost their lives on June 21, 2024, at the Mad Butcher grocery store.

During an hour intermission, the tournament organizers and community leaders spoke about the tragic day and honored the lives lost.

"You know no amount of money will help take any hurt away," Kelly said. "But if it could take a little bit of a financial burden away, you know, that makes me feel a little bit better that I played a small part in doing that."