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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, August 1, 2012 · 8 PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER DIAMOND ACTION: At left, during the action of the Mayor's Invitational Tournament last Thursday, Alex Sagl bats (top) as Chris Stergiou checks above for his ball. Above, the Carta Worldwide team celebrates its win. Above right, Odie Makrygiannis puts herself into her throw. Below, Brad Webster sizes up his target. Mayor's baseball tourney scored home run for KSM Organizers are calling the annual Mayor's Invitational Softball Tournament a success even though it came up shy of its $100,000 fundraising goal for the local charity Kerr Street Ministries (KSM). The all-day tournament, which started with 16 teams, succeeded in raising $70,000 to assist KSM in its efforts to help those in need in Oakville. "The Mayor's Invitational Tournament helps KSM make a difference in the lives of people that need it most," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "The success of a tournament like this is due to the dedication of countless volunteers, as well as the businesses that lend their financial and moral support through their participation." The tournament ended with a final showdown in Trafalgar Park between teams from Carta Worldwide and the Oakville Girls Softball Association. This epic contest resulted in a win for Carta. After the games, the fun continued with door prizes, as well as dinner and speeches hosted by celebrity guest Joanne McLeod of Bodybreak. Alison Hardman, KSM's marketing and events manager, spoke about the work of KSM. "At Kerr Street, it is such a privilege to be in the position to offer help to people in need," she said. "Emergency food aid, no-cost child care, re-education and a restoration of dignity; at KSM we offer the resources necessary to help our clients move beyond current circumstances and begin to build a bright future. The money raised at the Mayor's Invitational Softball Tournament is a key part of our ongoing success." Major sponsors of this year's softball tournament included Trinison Management Corporation, Westerkirk Capital, Rosehaven Homes, and Mattamy Homes. The tournament raised $90,000 last year.