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Eric Wedge, Fireworks highlight FWSC's 4th Annual Party in the Park

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Fireworks, Eric Wedge highlight Fort Wayne Sports Corp.’s
4th Annual “Party in the Park”

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2014
Contact: Adam Henry, FWSC (260) 426-9706

(Fort Wayne, IN) – ESPN Baseball Analyst, Eric Wedge, joins nearly a dozen of the Fort Wayne area’s most famous sports celebrities at the Fort Wayne Sports Corporation’s (FWSC) Annual Fundraiser on Friday, February 7, 2014.  The 4th Annual “Party in the Park”, from which proceeds benefit The Wedge Foundation and the FWSC, takes place in the main suite overlooking Parkview Field from 6 to 9 pm.  The Party in the Park is just that – a party where attendees mingle with high profile sports figures while enjoying a sports memorabilia auction, award presentations, gourmet hors d’ oeuvres, a cash bar. A professional fireworks display highlights the evening’s activities.  The event, graciously sponsored by Summit City Chevrolet, Bushey’s Windows, Doors & Sunrooms and KORTE Does It All, is available to the general public through advance reservations.
 
In addition to Fort Wayne’s native son, Eric Wedge, the 2007 American League Manager of the Year, and host of the event, local sports celebrities such as Tiffany Gooden (former Miss Indiana Basketball, National Player of the Year, Big Ten Champion and ABL player), Trai Essex (eight-year NFL veteran), Lloy Ball (four-time U.S. Olympic Volleyball Team member and Gold Medalist), Jason Fabini (ten-year NFL veteran), Ian Boyce (former Komet Hockey great), Kevin Donley (record-setting football NAIA HOF coach at the University of Saint Francis), Sharon Wichman-Jones (Olympic Gold Medalist) and others plan to join the Party on February 7th.  The casual cocktail party atmosphere is an open forum for guests to mingle with these local legends, asking questions or listening to their experiences in a personal format.

During the evening, the FWSC will honor local sports organizations and individuals who’ve been an important part of Fort Wayne’s sports culture.  The honorees include:
•    Dan Gebhart – Community Service Award
•    Dick Stimpson – Community Service Award
•    Mitzi Toepfer – Community Service Award
•    Bill Close – Judy Stuart Award (Volunteer of the Year)
•    Jan Van Til – Hilliard Gates Lifetime Achievement Award (Posthumous)

As has become the custom, the party includes a live auction of famous sports memorabilia and other items.  At past events, a genuine Brett Favre autographed football was auctioned off to a lucky winner and another successful bid allowed a father to take his son to be a batboy for the Chicago Cubs during a regular season game.  Modern day sports memorabilia, sports game ticket packages (which include Pacers and Hoosier basketball games), merchandise from local area businesses, and 2014 Shamrock series game tickets are just some of the items available for “live” bidding. Everyone will also have time to review the many auction items available for “silent” bids.

Individuals interested in attending this prestigious event can RSVP for $75 per person, or $65 for FWSC members.  Organizations are also welcome to make reservations.  Please contact the FWSC at (260) 420-1305 or Adam Henry at (260) 426-9706 or (partyinthepark@fortwaynsportscorp.com) to make reservations for you or your group.  For additional information, or to register online, please visit www.fortwaynesportscorp.com.

The Fort Wayne Sports Corporation is a not-for-profit 501(c)6 organization pursuing the mission of enhancing the quality of life and promoting community through sports and fitness in the Fort Wayne area.
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