By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson/Marlborough – Lots of leaping occurred on the leap year date, Feb. 29, when 25 teams competed in the 19th annual Snowflake Charity Kickball Tournament on the back field at Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959. Proceeds will help defray medical and recovery expenses for Hudson and Marlborough residents.
This year’s primary beneficiary was Hudson Police Sgt. Scott Chaulk. He suffered a stroke this past October while visiting his son, who is studying abroad in Barcelona. Chaulk underwent surgeries and was hospitalized in Barcelona before returning to Massachusetts Dec. 24, 2019. On Jan. 15, his wife, Donna, shared on Facebook an update regarding her husband: “He is continuing to improve every day and is in good spirits.”
Among the kickball players was Connor Walker, the main beneficiary of last year’s tournament. A Marlborough High School 2017 alum, Walker suffered a spinal cord injury in a helmet-to-helmet collision while playing a college football game in September 2018. Now a junior at Saint Anslem College, he got approval from his doctor to play kickball for the day. His parents, Jean and Rob, cheered from the sidelines. Rob described Connor as “a walking miracle.”
Portions of this year’s proceeds will also help defray medical expenses for Marlborough residents Mark Bonin and Dickie Guild.
Longtime participants of this tourney have experienced various weather conditions, locations and worthy causes throughout its 19-year history. When the event moved from Marlborough to Hudson in 2018, the tourney took place in the aftermath of a nor’easter. Last year, a light snowfall steadily – and fittingly – covered the Elks’ field during the Snowflake Charity Kickball Tournament.
With this year’s seasonably cold temperatures, the tournament concluded with a victory for the kickball players on the FOE team sponsored by Marlboro Fraternal Order of Eagles 3565.
Funds were raised with team entry fees and base sponsors. Fundraising continued with raffles at a post-tournament party at the Prospector East Saloon in Marlborough, where its owner Bob Kays donated food. Kim and Joe Otte of Hudson are the event co-chairs. For more information, visit facebook.com/snowflakekb.
