Industry goes to bat for children in need

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.—Representatives from dozens of security companies raised nearly $75,000 in a fundraising softball game Sept. 12, held by Mission 500, the nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities in crisis.

“This softball game was a new and fun way for the security industry to come together and raise money for needy children in the U.S.,” said George Fletcher, advisory council member/volunteer for Mission 500. “Our sponsors help us provide aid to those affected by poverty.”

Having competing security companies on the same teams and hanging out in the dugouts together was special for all involved, he told Security Systems News.

The participants also stocked up 200 backpacks, filling them “to the brim” with school supplies for students in need in a Bronx, N.Y., school district, said Janet Fenner, Mission 500 executive board member and director of marketing for Samsung.

Fenner said there is every reason to think the charity softball game will become an annual event.

Security Systems News works with Mission 500 and founded the Security 5K/2K held annually during the ISC West conference.

Fletcher said many of the sponsoring companies for the softball game were new to Mission 500, which “was phenomenal.”

The Protection Pirates won the game, 12-8, competing against the Security Sluggers.

Wearing number 318, SSN publisher Tim Purpura played for the Protection Pirates.

“The industry gives back again,” Purpura said. “I am so pleased to have participated in the First Annual Security Industry Softball Game. Not only was it a blast, it supported Mission 500 and children in the Bronx with stocked school backpacks. I am honored to be involved with an industry and an organization like Mission 500 that truly wants to make this world a better place.”

Back row: (left to right) George Fletcher, Mission 500; Marina Stern, LRG; Denise LaCoursiere, Cambium Networks; Dave deLisser, Pelco; Matthew Clark, Veracity; James Burns, OnSSI; Kevin McKay, Samsung; Steven Laroche, ISC Events;  Duane Warehime, Napco; Chris Ward, SDM. Middle row LEFT SIDE L-R: Tom Kelley, Axis; Nick LaBella, Napcol Tom Cook, Samsung; Rob Finn, ISC Events; Jawaid Chotani (in red), Milestone. Middle row RIGHT SIDE L-R: Angel Miranda (in blue), Wynit; Tim Purpura, SSN; Yaron Zussman, FST Biometrics; Jessica Ash, Synnex;  Jose Rojas, Pelco; Andy Jonannsen, Hikvision; Bobby the Ump; Ayal Vogel, Amid Strategies. Front row L-R: Kirby Han, Altronix;  volunteer kids; Paul Rizzuto, Altronix; Jon Stewart, Axis.