On Saturday, February 23rd Alachua County Emerging Leaders (ACEL) hosted their 2nd Annual Champions for Charity Kickball Tournament presented by Sherwin Williams Paints. Sixteen teams came out for a day full of sun, fun, and competitive kickball. $4,500 was given away to local charities including Tyler’s Hope, Horses Helping People, IAFF Burn Foundation, Florida Diabetes Camp, and the American Cancer Society.

Geared toward uniting business professionals, Alachua County Emerging Leaders was created two years ago to establish a social network to support the development of young professionals. Met with rapid success, ACEL has grown to offer educational, social and charity opportunities. Jodi Bennett became Chair of this year’s tournament because she “knew that it was important for ACEL to bring organizations together in the spirit of teamwork and philanthropy.”

With over 300 participants, this year’s tournament was a huge success. Games were played from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with food and raffle prizes provided throughout the day. The players and volunteers did not leave hungry. They chowed down on pizza and barbeque and cooled off with ice cream.

This year’s tournament was won by a team of University of Florida Pharmacy students. On behalf of the team, ACEL was able to donate $3,000 to Tyler’s Hope, an organization committed to funding research to prevent and cure Dystonia. Other winning teams included participants from the UF college of Veterinary medicine, the emerging maple syrup conglomeration, 352 Media, and Naylor Publications. “We hope that everyone walked away from this event having had a great time and look forward to joining us again next year,” said Jodi Bennett as the day came to a close.

ACEL would like to thank the following sponsors: Sherwin Williams Paints, Cottage Grove Apartments, Griffis Lumber, Quality Cleaners, Regions Bank, Adams Ribs, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream, Dominos Pizza, Florida Food Service, Good Life Community Magazine, and Royal Restrooms.

For more information on how you can join and/or support ACEL please visit our website at www.ACELFL.com