Softball And Smiles

It was a full house on Friday night at the Lacey Complex for the #TylerStrong fundraiser.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – A community defines itself by its character, and on Friday night there was no doubt about the character of Oskaloosa.

Approximately 1000 people swarmed to the Charlie Kentfield Babe Ruth field at the Lacey Complex to help raise money for one of its own.

The #tylerstrong slogan has been a rallying cry since Easter Sunday, and individuals, businesses and perfect strangers stepped up to make Friday night a huge success for the Tyler Zickefoose family to help offset costs of his medical treatment.

A home run derby by some amazing slow pitch sluggers had people amazed and smiling at the demonstration as softballs were ejected from the facility, landing on the recreation trail. An exhibition softball game between the Oskaloosa Varsity Girls Softball Team and the Oskaloosa Varsity Boys Baseball team was a huge success and a healing experience for spectators.

Individuals and businesses provided silent auction items, baked goods and concessions, with all the proceeds going to the Zickefoose family.

On Saturday, the friends and family of Cole Nilson, who also suffered a spinal injury recently, held a bake sale and dog wash in the H and S Feed and Country Store.