About the The Champions of Hope Sno-Pitch Tournament

2 friends are sitting idly chatting over a few "beverages" one evening.  Janice says to Jo-Jo, "You know I have had this great idea for years to throw a Sno-Pitch tournament and donate absolutely all of the proceeds to charity". "However," she explained "I have always known that it is far too much work for one person and everyone I have ever asked thought it was a great idea but wasn't necessarily willing to partner with me and MAKE IT HAPPEN!"  Jo-Jo, after another few beverages of course, decided that she would be the one to join forces and make Janice's idea come to fruition.

Champions Of Hope Charity Sno-Pitch was born to the two of them!  The name didn't come easily and their inaugural year, 2002, brought many challenges.  After many meetings and discussions they chose to run the event and donate 100% of the proceeds to support the CJAY 92 Kids Fund backed by CJAY 92, the #1 rated radio station in Calgary.  Jo-Jo had met Jodi Hughes, a Forbes and Friend radio personality and avid slo-pitch player, previously and contacted her with the idea!  She thought it was an outstanding idea and in return for exposure on the station the girls would run the event and present the cheque to Forbes and Friends, LIVE ON AIR, following their charity tournament.  Jodi came up against a lot of scrutiny trying to sell the idea as nobody thought a one-weekend Sno-Pitch tournament would raise any substantial amount of cash, however, they love the kids too and forged ahead with the idea as every little bit helps!

2002 brought $10,586.11 to the fund helping needy families in Calgary at Christmas and beyond.  The jaws at CJAY 92 surely dropped.  Janice and Jo-Jo were extremely pleased with the outcome of the 1st event but vowed to each other that subsequent years would be much greater contributions.

2003 brought $18,129.67, CJAY 92 was ecstatic and the girls couldn't believe the increase!  They could only revel in the immense pleasure they both had from giving back to the community and dare they say hope for more next year?

2004 was amazing.  The event was taking on a life of its' own and so many people were stepping up to play, donate and straight up support this great cause.  The team reached and exceeded their goal of $20,000 and presented The Kids Fund with a cheque in the amount of $23,626.49!  WOW!  from a 2-day sno-pitch event who would have thought?

2005 WOW! We sit in awe of the tremendous support received leading up to and during our 4th Annual Event. We raised a whopping $32,199.07. So many families lives will be brightened at Christmas and beyond . . .

2006 raised a whopping $35,026.24 for the CJAY92 Kids Fund through our 5th Annual Champions of Hope Charity Sno-Pitch Event. From the bottom of my heart thanks one and all for your involvement!

2007 Completely Amazed!  This was tough year as my partner’s son passed away just weeks before the event!  Although Janice couldn’t share in the joys this year with us I vowed to continue through the loss and run the event in memory of Chris Morin.  Even in the midst of tragedy so close to home it was our best year yet.  It is truly unbelievable that people are willing to step up and support those in need so close to the holidays.  You are all AMAZING! After our 6th Annual Event has come to a close we raised a whopping $36,005.98. Once again, with tears in my eyes, from the bottom of my heart thank you one and all for your tremendous generosity!

2008 I’m in Awe!  Calgarians are truly awe inspiring!  We mirrored last year’s event and we raised $35,462.92 for the CJAY92 Kids Fund through our 7th Annual Champions of Hope Charity Sno-Pitch Event. It just keeps getting better and better year after year!  Can’t wait for 2009!

We continue to work at improving our event and adding to it each year to keep the funds rising!  This year's event is just around the corner and is shaping up to be our best yet with a ton of support from several sponsors, volunteers and the one's that truly make it all happen THE BALL PLAYERS.  Our hats are off to absolutely everyone who plays a role in making our event happen.  You are truly all ANGELS and we both thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in the cause and MAKING IT HAPPEN!