Otisfield softball fundraiser Feb. 15

OTISFIELD — The Otisfield softball program is hosting two Italian fundraiser dinners, back to back, at the Otisfield Community Hall on Route 121 on February 15, with possible entertainment to follow.

The first dinner is from 5-6 p.m. 

The menu will include lasagna, spaghetti and gluten-free choices. Donations, according to the program's founder and coach, Matt Corbett, are gratefully accepted and will be used toward new uniforms, sweatshirts, equipment and updates to the softball snack shack.  

According to Corbett, this is the softball program's first fundraising dinner. He said the dinner is an example of the commitment from everyone involved. 

A predominant amount of funds raised come from fundraising events of this kind, Corbett said. The group also raises funds from advertising on their uniforms, selling refreshments at the snack shack and bake sales. 

"They [the girls] are very proud of what they've done and they should be and it's because of the commitment [of both] the kids and the parents," Corbett said.

"It is fantastic to have the girls coming back, but the program would not be what it is without the amazing parental support," he said.

"We are never lacking volunteers or new fundraising ideas from our parents."

The program began in 2008, and according to Corbett, it has not only been successful, but continues to grow each year with wonderful support from parents and other volunteers. 

The program began with a farm team, made up of girls ages 7-10, said Corbett, but despite losing every game that year, the girls never gave up.

He also has a little league team made up of girls ages 11-13. 

"Instead of becoming disheartened, the girls simply became more excited about the next year," Corbett said. To practice, the girls and parents  requested time in the gym, he said. 

"That tradition has continued each year since," Corbett explained, which allows the girls more time to practice. 

According to Corbett, from 2008 to 2012, the farm team were division champs all four consecutive years.

In the first year for little league, he said, they were not only division champs but went on to win the league championship. 

"I think the general point is, not to glorify the success of the program, but to show that the program is successful because of the volunteers and the fundraisers," Corbett said.