Sororities to Run ‘Bases for Bears’

This Saturday, May 1, Nebraska  Wesleyan University sororities will be participating in a unique philanthropy event –a softball tournament called Bases for Bears. Admission for players and spectators will be one new or gently used teddy bear.

Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Zeta and Willard will each play games lasting approximately one hour each. Members of Zeta Psi Fraternity have volunteered to act as umpires.

Bears will be donated to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Lincoln. This event came about when an Omega Chi Rho member learned from Residence Life Coordinator Alisha Hanshaw that the teddy bear closet at the CAC was running low. Hanshaw's husband works as the Developement Coordinatior on staff at the Center.

In Spring 2011, the CAC will be moving to its new location just south of NWU at 5025 Garland Street Due to the move, the Center is also in need of items such as puzzles, games, outdoor toys and kids' DVDs. These items may be substituted for the admission teddy bear, or cand be additional donations.

The Child Advocacy Center provides a safe environment for children who have been sexually or physically abused, or who have witnessed a homicide or other traumatic event.

The CAC works hard so that every child that comes to the Center feels as comfortable as possible. Part of this comfort level comes from just having something to hold. Each child that comes to the Center is given a blanket and a teddy bear to use during their time at the center, and when they leave they may take these items with them.

The event is sponsored by Omega Chi Rho Sorority and runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Mahoney Park, N. 70th St. and Fremont Ave. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.