Curt’s Closet pulled out a hard-fought 8-5 victory over Sprout Fiber Internet in the first-ever charity softball game between the two businesses. But the real winner on the night was the children and families throughout Cullman County that will benefit from the funds raised and the clothing donated by those who attended the game at the City of Cullman’s Championship Field at Ingle Park.
Sprout Fiber Inernet organized and hosted the game, which raised more than $1,400 for Curt’s Closet along with donations of new clothes, shoes and backpacks. Curt’s Closet founder and executive director Ashley Wilson said all of those items would be given out to local children before the new school year started.
More than a game!
“When people come together like they did, it’s about so much more than a game; it’s always about the kids,” Wilson said. “Every raffle ticket, every hot dog bought, every dollar donated and every backpack dropped off means another child gets to start school feeling confident and worthy. That’s what makes partnerships like this with Sprout so special.”
Sprout Fiber Internet is the broadband internet service started and owned by Cullman Electric Cooperative. Co-op employees and family members took the field in Sprout uniforms, while Curt’s Closet’s roster consisted of board members, employees and volunteers along with their family and friends.
Bonnie Baty, marketing director for Sprout Fiber Internet, said one of the best things about working for a local, member-owned cooperative like Cullman Electric is getting to do the right thing simply because it’s the right thing to do.
“It was a fun game, and we plan on winning it next year, but most importantly, this was a chance to rally around an organization making a big difference for local kids,” Baty said. That spirit of community is part of who we are. Sprout Fiber Internet was built to bring fast, reliable fiber internet to our neighbors, but our investment here goes well beyond the internet connection to your home.
Community first
“This is our home field, too. We live here. We work here. We play here. And we’re proud to keep growing something good for the community we all share.”
Curt’s Closet was founded to honor the life and legacy of Ashley Wilson’s son, Curt, who was killed in a car accident in 2017. Cheyenne Sharp, community outreach and fundraising specialist for Curt’s Closet, said back-to-school season is the busiest time of the year.
“Every donation and every act of kindness helps us make sure kids walk into school with confidence,” Sharp said. “We’re so thankful to Sprout Fiber Internet for thinking of Curt’s Closet and inviting us to be part of this event.”